Medvedev, Olmert talk on Middle East, bilateral ties

MOSCOW, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev met with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert here on Tuesday, with both pledging to push forward Middle East peace process and boost bilateral economic cooperation.

"Our relations are developing in a very good and sustained manner, which is one of the key factors in the Middle East peace process, in which Russia will continue to play a constructive and active role," the Interfax news agency quoted Medvedev as telling Olmert.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed support for the Palestinian-Israeli talks "to achieve a political settlement on the internationally recognized grounds as well as for continued contacts between Israel and Syria," said the Foreign Ministry in a statement.

Olmert, who is in Moscow on a working visit as a guest of Medvedev, appreciated the continuation of Russia's efforts for settling conflicts in the Middle East and for establishing a lasting peace and security in the region, the Itar-Tass news agency said.

Lavrov advocated a political settlement for the Iranian nuclear issue, rather than "following the road of force scenarios that can result in fanning up tension in regional and international relations"