OREANDA-NEWS. May 8, 2008. Dmitry Medvedev sent messages of congratulations to the Israeli leadership - President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert - on the sixtieth anniversary of the State of Israel's independence.

Mr Medvedev’s message to Mr Peres reads, in particular:

“Russia was one of the first countries to recognise Israel’s independence and Russian-Israeli relations have always been built on the solid foundation of the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties that bind us.

I hope to maintain close and constructive cooperation with you in the interests of achieving comprehensive peace and security in the Middle East”.

In his message to the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Medvedev said:

“Israel has not only achieved important political results over these last years but has also made great economic progress and scientific and cultural achievements.

We are happy to see that the multifaceted relations between our countries are showing dynamic growth. We want to continue working fruitfully together to further build these relations. Russia is firmly committed to continuing to actively facilitate a long-term, comprehensive and fair settlement based on international law in the Middle East, a settlement which would provide reliable guarantees for Israel’s security and prosperity and ensure peaceful coexistence with all the region’s countries and peoples. 

I hope for close cooperation with you in order to reach these goals.”