Kuala Lumpur, Aug 05: Malaysia's King led ceremonies today to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is here to complete a USD 900 million fighter jet deal and to hold talks on bilateral and international issues, including security. King Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail and Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad greeted Putin, who inspected an honour guard of more than 100 troops from the 1st Royal Malay Regiment and received a 21-gun salute.

Later today, Putin was scheduled to hold talks with Mahathir and other top officials, and deliver a speech to a forum aimed at drumming up business between the two countries.

Putin and Mahathir were also expected to finalise a deal struck earlier this year for Malaysia to buy 18 SU-30 jet fighters from Sukhoi, Russia's largest weapons manufacturer, for around USD 900 million. Putin's two-day visit to Malaysia is the first by a Russian leader in 35 years of bilateral relations, and follows a visit by Mahathir to Moscow in March 2002.

They are expected to discuss the current situation in Iraq and counter terrorism issues, including how Russia could contribute to a southeast Asian anti-terrorism center recently set up in Kuala Lumpur.

Both countries opposed the US-led invasion of Iraq, though Mahathir has remained strongly critical of the conflict while Putin has played down Russia's concerns. Malaysia and Russia are expected to sign agreements on information and communications development and scientific and technical cooperation before Putin leaves Malaysia later today the Russian Itar-Tass agency has reported.

Bureau Report