Russia and Bahrain will seek new mechanisms for cooperation despite economic difficulties, said the Russian President Vladimir Putin during his meeting with the King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa.

"Despite the economic difficulties, we continue developing new mechanisms for cooperation between our countries", said Mr. Putin.

The President stressed that Bahrain is an important partner of Russia in the Persian Gulf region and in the Middle East as a whole. He noted that he was glad for a chance to meet the Bahraini delegation in Sochi to discuss the relations between the two countries as well as global and regional affairs.

Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa thanked the Russian President for the opportunity to visit the country. According to him, it gives "a good opportunity to exchange views, discuss opportunities in further strengthening of bilateral relations and pursuing common interests, and to share views on the current situation in the Middle East."

"As for the economic problems, I believe that countries can overcome those by the means of cooperation", said the King of Bahrain. "And we are ready to cooperate with Russia."

The meeting takes place in Sochi during the King's official working trip to Russia.

According to the spokesman of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov, the Russian delegation includes ministers of foreign affairs and energy of the Russian Federation as well as the head of Russian Direct Investment Fund.