Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted Prime Minister Ehud Barak's invitation to visit Israel in the coming month. The state visit, which will take place in June or early July, reflects a new warming of relations between the two countries, reported Haaretz Monday.
The Israeli daily said the Russian president accepted the invitation during one of several telephone conversations he had with Barak recently. During the visit, Israel and Russia will discuss possible cooperation in upgrading of MiG-29 fighter aircraft.
Haaretz did not source its information.
Israel has been critical of Russian weapon and technology transfers to Iran in the past, but sources in Jerusalem suggest that Putin's visit indicates an upgrading of relations with Russia.
Since Putin's recent election as Russia's president, the prime minister has kept him abreast of developments in the Middle East peace process, said the paper, adding that Russia has expressed serious interest in improving its relations with Israel and in participating in the Middle East peace process.
Another reason for Russia's interest is shared concern with Israel over the growth and spread of radical Islamic movements and it is believed in Moscow that Israeli intelligence and experience in the field could be useful, according to the daily.
Haaretz said Russia is interested in cooperating with Israel in the fields of hi-tech, in the diamond industry and in defense. A joint project is being considered for upgrading Russian-made aircraft and battle tanks with Israeli-made technologies. The main customers for the upgrades would be former Soviet clients in Eastern Europe – Albawaba.com
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
