His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday departed for Russia, where he is scheduled to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on enhancing ties in various fields, in addition to the latest regional and international developments.

King Abdullah is also scheduled to participate in the 16th annual meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club, held in Sochi, with the participation of Russian President Putin as well as a number of other heads of state.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II was sworn in as Regent, in the presence of Cabinet members.