MOSCOW, April 30 (RIA Novosti) – A Russian naval ship will visit Israel for the first time in the country’s history, the Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
The Azov, a Ropucha II-class landing ship from Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, will call at the port of Haifa from May 1-3, the ministry’s press service said.
The visit is timed to coincide with the 68th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II, a press service representative said.
“The visit is the initiative of veteran organizations in Israel,” he added.
The program of the visit includes performances by the Black Sea Fleet orchestra for Israeli war veterans and Haifa residents. The warship will also be open to the public for visits.
A reception on board the Azov will be organized for World War II veterans living in Israel.