Russian ambassador to Israel speaks to i24NEWS
Viktorov says the relation between Israel and Russia has 'stood the test of time'
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![Russian ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov speaks to i24NEWS, November 18, 2021.](https://cdn.i24news.tv/upload/image/placeholder.jpg)
Anatoly Viktorov, Russia's ambassador to Israel, participated in an event at Ben Gurion University in Beer Sheva to mark the 30 year anniversary of diplomatic ties between Israel and Russia.
He also took time on Thursday to discuss diplomacy, mutual recognition of vaccines, and much more with i24NEWS.
"The relations between our countries, they stood the test of time," the diplomat announced.
He additionally noted that the millions of Russian immigrants who have moved to Israel created a "life bridge" between the two countries.
Viktorov said that the change of Israel's government did not affect relations between the two countries.
Surprisingly, despite the Covid pandemic, during the first seven months of this year, trade between the two countries increased by 50 percent, Viktorov stated.
"Economy, science, education, culture, sport... there are many, many fields of cooperation and we are now on the way to convene the next regular session of the giant Russian-Israeli Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation."
Viktorov also discussed with i24NEWS the recent implementation of a government decision to allow those vaccinated with Russia's Sputnik V into Israel.
"Of course we stand for mutual recognition of the certificates of vaccination," he stated. "And we are working together with the Israeli authorities... in order to allow citizens of Russia and Israel to travel in both directions."
The official also discussed Moscow's role in the Israeli-Palestinian peace track, mentioning how Putin put forth a venue several years ago for Israeli and Palestinian leaders to meet.