The President expressed his best wishes in a telephone conversation with the Israeli prime minister, during which the two leaders also exchanged views on a number of bilateral and international issues.
Mr Medvedev also sent Mr Netanyahu a telegram, in which he said, in particular:
“Russian-Israeli relations are showing steady positive growth and are gaining in real substance, which is certainly in our countries’ and peoples’ interests. You deserve credit for your personal contribution to these efforts.
I am sure that your unquestioned life and political experience will serve Israel’s interests and help to bring about rapid normalisation in the region. I take this opportunity to reaffirm Russia’s firm commitment to facilitating the establishment of a fair and lasting peace in the Middle East on the basis of equal and reliable security for countries and peoples in the region.”