The two leaders exchanged New Year congratulations and wished each other prosperity and success in their work.
Mr Medvedev said he was pleased that 2010 began with a positive event in Russian-Israeli relations – the liberation of Russian citizen Isabella Belfer. Mr Peres said he was happy to respond to the Russian President’s request and help to resolve this complicated humanitarian issue.
The two presidents discussed the outlook for developing bilateral relations over the coming year and exchanged views on the situation with efforts to reach a peace settlement in the Middle East.
The telephone conversation was Israel’s initiative.