Prime Minister Naftali Bennett spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday for the first time since stepping into office.

The two discussed security and political matters and agreed to meet soon.

In a Prime Minister’s Office statement, Bennett thanked his Russian counterpart over Moscow’s role in preserving the stability in the Mideast and in assisting in regards to Israel’s captives and those missing.

He further expressed his appreciation for the historic connection between the Russian people and the Jewish people.