Putin to make landmark visit to Israel in April

The landmark two-day trip will take place between April 27-28, officials said.

"Israeli President Moshe Katsav invited Mr Putin personally on January 27 when they met in Poland and the Russian president will be welcomed with all the honours due to someone of his status," said Katsav spokesman Ron Ben Ishai.

Putin will hold talks with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, other top Israeli officials and Palestinian leaders, he added.

Russia is one of the four sponsors of the Middle East peace roadmap plan, which has sought to create a Palestinian state by 2005 but has made next to no progress since its launch.

On Tuesday, Putin urged Israel to back the Middle East peace initiatives pushed by Arab leaders who are gathered in Algeria for a two-day summit.