Russia's Putin hosts Israeli PM Bennett
ABC News
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope that new Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett would continue in the footsteps of his predecessor in maintaining close and “trusting” relations with his country
MOSCOW -- Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope on Friday that new Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett would continue in the footsteps of his predecessor in maintaining close and “trusting" relations with his country.
Welcoming Bennett at the start of their first meeting in Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi, Putin hailed Russian-Israeli ties as “unique,” noting that Israel is home to the largest Russian-speaking community.
Putin kept close personal ties with former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has repeatedly visited Russia. On Friday, Putin pointed to Russia’s “business-like and trusting relationship” with Netanyahu’s government and expressed hope that Bennett’s government would pursue a “policy of continuity” in Russian-Israeli ties.
Bennett extolled the “great contribution” made by his country's 1 million Russian speakers, and emphasized “the deep connection between the two countries” while praising Putin for bringing them closer during his 20-year rule.
