Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in the West Bank city of Bethlehem Tuesday, marking the beginning of his first visit to the Palestinian territories, where he is set to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Upon arrival, Putin headed to Church of Nativity, Jesus' birthplace, in the town. Before noon, he will talk with Abbas about the deadlock engulfing the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians.

The Quartet of Middle East peace mediators, which includes besides Russia the United States, the European Union and the United Nations, sponsored exploratory talks between Israel and the Palestinians at the beginning of 2012 in Amman, Jordan.

Russian media reports said that Putin and Abbas will assess the results of the Amman talks, which the Palestinians said could not lead to a breakthrough.

The Palestinians insist that Israel stop Jewish settlements in the territories occupied in 1967, mainly the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

On Monday, Putin met Israeli President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, dedicating most of their discussions to the Iranian nuclear program.