Russia’s Putin discusses common points with Israeli PM in Sochi

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Despite some problems regarding the situation in Syria, there is common ground and opportunities for cooperation, especially in terms of the fight against terrorism, said Russian President Vladimir Putin when welcoming Israeli Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett in Russia’s Sochi, on Friday.

On Friday, Putin received Bennett to discuss some common important issues between the two countries.

Putin said that Russia has been “making efforts to help restore Syria’s statehood and to strengthen it.” He noted that despite some problems regarding the situation in Syria, “there is also common ground and opportunities for cooperation, especially in terms of the fight against terrorism.”

Both countries established a military hotline to coordinate air force operations over Syria to avoid clashes. Israel often attacks Iranian-linked targets in Syria, while Russia has provided support to the Syrian government, ABC News reported.

It said that Israel views Iranian entrenchment on its northern frontier as a red line, and it has repeatedly struck what it says are Iran-linked facilities and weapons convoys destined for Lebanese Hezbollah.

Russia and Israel have developed close political, economic and cultural ties that have helped the two countries tackle delicate and divisive issues.