Israel, Russia agree to cooperate on internal security matters

Israel and Russia on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on internal security matters.

The agreement covers cooperation in fighting violent and financial crime, terror and terror financing, weapons trafficking and other fields, according to Public Security Minister Amir Ohana.

“This is a significant diplomatic achievement that will lead to increased personal security for the citizens of both Israel and Russia, and will strengthen ties between the countries,” Ohana said in a statement.

Ohana said the signing came after “years of efforts.”

He also thanked his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Kolokoltsev, who was sanctioned by the US in 2018 as part of measures against oligarchs and top government officials for Russia’s “malign activity around the globe.” Kolokoltsev was designated under an executive order pertaining to Russia’s military involvement in Ukraine.