In Sochi, a meeting took place between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Naftaly Bennetom, reports Jerusalem Post.
At the beginning of the meeting, the head of Russia noted that despite the “battles in their country” in relations between the two countries will be continuity:
“We had good business relationships with the previous Government of Israel, and we are pleased to accept the Prime Minister in Russia,” he said.
Putin also stated that, despite many problematic topics, there are points of contact and opportunities for cooperation, especially with regard to the fight against terrorism.
Bennett, in turn, noted that they will discuss with the President of Russia the situation in Syria and efforts to terminate the Iranian military nuclear program.
Then Putin mentioned the special role of the USSR in the creation of the Jewish state, and also highly appreciated the growing turnover between countries:
“Soviet Union and our country as the adviser of the USSR stood at the origins of the establishment of the state of Israel. Also in Israel, there is probably the largest Russian-speaking community, a lot of healthy veterans of the Great Patriotic War, to which we treat with special warmth. To say that trade and economic ties are developing successfully. For the first seven months of the current year, the turnover rose by 50 percent, despite all pandemic restrictions. This is a very important component, “said Russian President.
Naftali Bennet also noted the role of Russian-speaking Israelis in the daily life of the country and called Putin “a true friend of the Jewish people.”