Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev came to Israel Wednesday for a two-day official visit, marking the 25th anniversary of re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Accompanied by Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, Medvedev chose to open his visit at the Western Wall, where he met with rabbinic supervisor of the site, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch and Philanthropist Mr. Mikhael Mirilashvili, and learned about the significance of the holy place for Jews and Judaism.

Rabbi Lazar also talked to the prime minister about the history of the holy site and said that in Russia, too, Jews are praying in the direction of the Kotel – the Western Wall.

“For the first time I visited the Western Wall 23 years ago, as a private person, and now, on my second visit, I understand more about the history of the place and its connection to Judaism,” said Medvedev. “It is exciting to visit this holiest of places for the Jewish people, and I wish them peace, security and prosperity,” Medvedev wrote on his social network accounts during the visit.

On Thursday Medvedev met with Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin and later with the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.