Naftali Bennett met this morning (Friday) with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Putin's resort town - Sochi.
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This is Bennett's first visit to Russia since he was sworn in as Prime Minister.
Putin told Bennett at the beginning of their meeting: "We have a lot of issues to discuss, there are many problematic issues, but there are also opportunities for cooperation, especially in the fight against terrorism. Despite the political problems in Israel, I hope that the government will continue the good attitude towards Russia as it was before.".
'"We managed to maintain good relations with the previous government, and we are happy to host the Israeli Prime Minister here in Russia. In every country, political struggles are part of the landscape, but I hope that in everything related to Israel-Russia relations, you will continue in the line of your predecessor. Good relations have been established between us.".
Bennett told Putin: "The relations with Russia, which we are currently celebrating 30 years since their establishment, are very special relations, both because of the past and because of the present and the future. We remember the past well, the wonderful mobilization of the Russian nation and the Red Army to defeat the Nazis in World War II. These were the most decisive days for the entire world and also for the Jewish people.".
""Our responsibility is to instill gratitude to future generations through discourse, through historical documentation, and also through physical commemoration. For example, the Red Army Monument in the city of Netanya in Israel and the Leningrad Siege Memorial in Jerusalem - two places that you, Mr. President, dedicated.".
""These days we are completing the establishment of a new museum in Israel to commemorate the Jewish fighter in World War II in all armies, but the special and significant contribution was in the Red Army, where half a million Jews fought and 200,000 Jews fell in the war within the Red Army against the Nazis. The museum will be named after President Chaim Herzog, the father of the current president of Israel, and I would be happy to talk to you about it.".
""I also look forward to discussing a variety of current issues, strengthening the countries' ties in the economic, technological, scientific and cultural fields. We have a million ambassadors in Israel, a million Russian-speaking Israelis who make a huge contribution to Israeli culture, to the mentality they bring with them, a mentality of hard work, of power, of strength. This is a very big contribution to the State of Israel.".
""We will also talk about strengthening the economy. As Mr. President said, we can significantly increase trade and we must do it. We will also talk about the situation in Syria, about efforts to curb the Iranian military nuclear program.
""A final word - all of these relations, all of the discussion will be based on the deep connection between the two countries, between the two nations, which you have led for the past 20 years.
"I can tell you on behalf of the citizens of Israel that we consider you a true friend of the Jewish people. Thank you very much.".
The Prime Minister's entourage includes Minister of Construction and Housing Ze'ev Elkin, who participated in the preparatory work for the visit and is taking part in the meeting. The Prime Minister's entourage also includes the Chief of the National Security Staff Dr. Eyal Hulta, Political Advisor Shmarit Meir, and Military Secretary Avi Gil.
