Mr Putin expressed gratitude to Mr Arafat for his favourable assessment of Russian policy in the Middle East.
The acting president reaffirmed that Russia would continue to steadfastly pursue a durable and just peace in the Middle East that would guarantee the restoration of the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people.
The message also said, in part: “I will be happy, as soon as circumstances allow, to accept your courteous invitation to meet you on Palestinian land and visit holy places.”