As symbols of their friendship, Russian President Vladimir Putin presents an Akhal-Teke horse to Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifah at the Bocharov Ruchei state residence in Sochi, Russia, yesterday. King Hamad awarded Putin a sword made of Damascus steel. Russia and Bahrain are planning to increase economic ties, including Russian food exports to Bahrain and co-operation involving Russian state natural gas company Gazprom.