Israeli PM departs for Sochi to meet Putin

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett flew on Friday to Russia to discuss Iran and other regional issues with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bennett's office said.

Bennett will pay a one-day visit to the seaside resort city of Sochi and has only one scheduled meeting, his office said in a statement.

Before his departure, Bennett told reporters at the airport that "the ties between Russia and Israel are a significant element in the foreign policy of the State of Israel" due to Russia's regional and international role, and to the Russian-speakers in Israel who constitute "a bridge between the two countries."

Earlier this week, Bennett's office said that the prime minister and president will discuss political, security and economic issues involving both countries and regional matters, "primarily Iran's nuclear program," according to the statement.

This is Bennett's first official trip to Russia. His predecessor, Benjamin Netanyahu, held many meetings with Putin. (ANI/Xinhua)

( With inputs from ANI )

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