Palestine appreciates Russia’s efforts to counter terrorism in the Middle East and its contribution to peaceful settlement and strengthening of security in Syria, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Thursday.

Axar.az reports citing to Sputnik Abbas met with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier in the day.

"President Putin and I touched upon a range of issues on situation in the region. We appreciate Russia’s efforts to counter terrorism, as well as its contribution to strengthening security and stability in the Middle East, including Syria," the Palestinian leader told a joint press conference with Putin.

Palestine is engaged in decades-long conflict with Israel. The Israeli government refuses to recognize Palestine as an independent political and diplomatic entity and continues to build settlements within the occupied areas, despite objections from the United Nations.