Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin as he presents him with Damascus steel sword during their meeting in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia, Feb. 8, 2016 (AP)

Two leaders discussed the crisis in the Middle East during talks in a  resort town of Sochi

Russian President Putin says Bahrain is an important partner of his country. Putin met with Bahrain’s King in Sochi on Monday for talks on the crisis in the Middle East.  

The Kremlin’s leader re-iterated Bahrain will remain Russia’s partner in the Persian Gulf. Putin also said he is glad to see his friends from the Middle East discuss bilateral relations in Sochi.  

After the meeting Bahrain’s King expressed his thanks for an invitation to visit Russia.