SOCHI, February 8. /TASS/. Russia and Bahrain will create new mechanisms for cooperation despite the current hardships in the economy, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the meeting with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on Monday.

"Despite the current uneasy situation in the economy, we still continue creating the necessary mechanisms for widening our cooperation," Putin said.

Putin stressed that Bahrain is an important partner of Russia in the Persian Gulf and in the whole Middle East.

The Russian leader said he is glad to see his Middle East friends in Sochi and to speak about bilateral relations, and also "the situation in the world, and first of all, in the region."

Bahrain's King has thanked Russia’s president for the invitation to visit the country. "This is a good chance to talk and exchange viewpoints on the issues concerning further strengthening bilateral relations, common interests and also to discuss issues linked to the situation in the Middle East."

"As for problems and the situation in the economic sphere, then all the countries can jointly overcome the existing difficulties through cooperation," he said, adding: "That’s why we are ready for cooperation with Russia."