Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will soon meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, after landing in Sochi this morning (Friday) to hold the first political meeting between the two leaders.
The meeting is expected to begin at 10:00 a.m. at the official presidential residence and will take place at Six Eyes and will be attended by Minister Zeev Elkin, who is in charge of relations with Russia and Ukraine, who will also serve as an interpreter for the two leaders.
Elkin held the same position for former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is familiar with the details of the sensitive relationship between the two countries, and enjoys the trust of the Russian president.
Unlike usual in other meetings between heads of state, and in part because of Friday's short schedule, there will be no working meeting between the leadership teams.
Bennett-Putin Summit Schedule, Photo: Getty-Images, GPO, Eric Sultan
Before appearing in Russia, Prime Minister Bennett said that "the relationship between Russia and Israel is a significant tier in Israel's foreign policy, both because of Russia's special status in the region and its international status, and because of the million Russian speakers in Israel, who form a bridge between the two countries."
"In general, Israel's foreign policy and international status are significantly strengthening, there are large energies, and the direction is very good," Bennett added.
