(Communicated by the Office of the President)

President Reuven Rivlin departed on Tuesday, 15 March 2016 on a state visit to Moscow, during which he will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom he will discuss the regional effects of the situation in Syria in the wake of the withdrawal of Russian forces which began today.

President Rivlin will also meet with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and other senior government officials, as well as with representatives of the Jewish community.

The Soviet Union recognized the State of Israel upon its declaration of independence in 1948. The Six Day War led to the severing of diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries, which were resumed 25 years later, in 1991, with the dissolution of the USSR. This year marks 25 years since the resumption of bilateral relations and fruitful cooperation between Israel and the Russian Federation.

After the resumption of relations, the two countries signed agreements in many fields, including trade and health. Reciprocal visits by senior leaders included the 2012 visit to Israel by President Putin.