Manama, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa today received His Excellency Mr. Mikhail Bogdanov, Russian Presidential Special Representative for the Middle East and Africa, and Deputy Foreign Minister at Al Sakhir Palace. Mr. Bogdanov is in the kingdom to attend the 33rd Arab Summit. He conveyed to HM the King the greetings of HE Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, and wishes to the kingdom and its people of further progress and prosperity. Mr. Bogdanov expressed the President's appreciation to His Majesty the King for extending an invitation to Russia to the Arab Summit, praising HM's role in strengthening Bahraini-Russian relations. HM the King requested HE Mr. Bogdanov to relay his greetings to HE President Putin, wishing the people of Russia further progress and prosperity. HM King Hamad commended the historical Bahraini-Russian relations and affirmed keenness to further enhance cooperation on various levels. HM the King thanked HE President Putin for his message to the sum mit and for his keenness to bolster relations between the two countries. HM the King emphasised Russia's international, role under the leadership of the Russian President, highlighting its commitment to bolstering security, stability, and promoting peace initiatives regionally and internationally. During the meeting, the two sides discussed regional and international developments and reviewed topics of common interest. For his part, HE the representative expressed his appreciation to HM the King for his generous hospitality, hailing HM King Hamad's keenness on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. He commended Bahrain's regional role and contributions, expressing Russia's wishes for the success of the Bahrain summit. Source: Bahrain News Agency