BOCHAROV RUCHEI (Sputnik) — Commencing talks with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Khalifa, Putin stressed that despite "rather difficult" situation in the economy, the two countries continue to create new mechanisms needed for the expansion of bilateral cooperation.
"Bahrain is our important partner in the Gulf and in the Middle East in general. We are very happy to see our friends, have the opportunity to talk on bilateral relations and the situation in the world and in the region," Putin said.
16 December 2015, 11:00 GMT
Besides the two leaders, the talks taking place at the Bocharov Ruchei presidential residence in Sochi involve Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, Bahrain's Deputy Prime Minister Muhammed bin Mubarak Khalifa, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Khalid bin Ahmed Khalifa.
The Bahraini king's last visit to Moscow took place in October 2014, when he traveled to Sochi to attend the Russian stage of the Formula One World Championship, and to also hold talks with the Russian leadership.
