Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Prime Minister Naftali Bennett Friday for their first meeting, hailing friendly ties between the two countries.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
Welcoming Bennett at the start of their talks in Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi, Putin hailed Russian-Israeli ties as "unique," saying that "our dialogue, our relations rely on a very deep connection between our peoples."
Bennett extolled the contribution made by his country's one million Russian speakers and emphasized "the deep connection between the two countries," praising Putin for bringing them closer during his 20-year rule.
"I can tell you on behalf of the citizens of Israel that we consider you a true friend of the Jewish people," Bennett said.
He hailed the Soviet role in defeating the Nazis in World War II and talked about a new museum in Israel that honors Jewish soldiers who fought in allied armies, primarily the Red Army – remarks that would likely be appreciated by Putin who cherishes his country's decisive contribution to victory in that war.
Putin maintained close personal ties with former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has repeatedly visited Russia.
Russia and Israel have developed close political, economic and cultural ties, a strong relationship that has helped them tackle delicate divisive issues, such as the situation in Syria where Moscow has teamed up with Tehran to shore up Syrian President Bashar Assad's rule.
"We will also talk about the situation in Syria, and the efforts to halt the Iranian military nuclear program," Bennett said at the start of his talks with Putin.
Israel views Iranian entrenchment on its northern frontier as a red line, and it has repeatedly struck what it says are Iran-linked facilities and weapons convoys destined for Lebanese terrorist organization Hezbollah. The Iran-backed terrorist group has fought alongside Syrian government forces in the country's civil war.
Russia has waged a military campaign in Syria since 2015, helping Assad's government reclaim control over most of the country. Moscow also has helped modernize Syria's military, including providing Assad with air-defense systems, and trained its personnel.
Russia and Israel established a military hotline to coordinate air force operations over Syria to avoid clashes. Israel, according to foreign reports, often attacks Iranian-linked targets in Syria, while Russia has provided support to the Syrian government.
Speaking to reporters before taking off on his first official trip to Moscow, Bennett said, "Ties between Russia and Israel are a significant pillar of Israeli foreign policy due to Moscow's special regional position and international status and also because there are a million Russian speakers in Israel who act as a bridge between the two countries."
The two leaders were also expected to talk about "security and economic issues involving both countries."
Accompanying Bennett is MK Ze'ev Elkin, who is in charge of Israeli policy on Russia and Ukraine, and as a native Russian speaker will act as an interpreter between the two leaders. He was entrusted with the same task by Netanyahu during his trips to Moscow.
Bennett's visit will last no longer than several hours, after which he is expected to fly back to Israel before the start of Shabbat at sundown on Friday evening.
As Israel begins to reopen its borders to vaccinated tourists, the two leaders are also expected to discuss ways Russian tourists could enter Israel. According to World Health Organization guidelines, Israel does not currently recognize the Russian Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
