Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov met with Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah Saturday as he wrapped up a two-day official visit to Lebanon before departing early Sunday for Turkey.

A statement released by Hezbollah Saturday night said “Russian President Putin’s special envoy” met with Nasrallah to discuss the political developments in the region, with particular focus on Lebanon and Syria.

Bogdanov was accompanied by Russia’s Ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Zasypkin. Hezbollah's international relations officer Ammar Musawi also participated in the meeting.

The visit has particular importance as Bogdanov is a senior diplomat and is close to President Vladimir Putin. 

“It will be an opportunity to hold meetings with Lebanese officials and various political factions to exchange opinions over what is happening in the Middle East and in the international arena,” Zasypkin said days before.

“Russia is eager to listen to all points of view in Lebanon and this requires a busy schedule for Bogdanov’s visit, which is slated to include meetings with all sides ... since we believe that dialogue is the only means to solve crises,” he continued before the visit.