Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday gave a lavish Kremlin reception to the visiting sultan of Brunei for talks that focused on bilateral economic cooperation and international issues. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who arrived Monday on his first official visit to Russia, was honored with an elaborate ceremony in the ornate Grand Kremlin Palace. Putin welcomed the sultan in the palace's white-and-gold St. George Hall, dedicated to Russian military feats, where the two leaders listened to their nations' anthems and met members of official delegations. "I would like to thank you for supporting Russia in the Organization of Islamic Conference, where Russia has the status of observer," Putin said. "We intend to further participate in various regional organizations, moreover, not only to continue participating, but also to strengthen our presence (there) and develop our relations with the countries of the region." The sultan thanked Putin for his invitation to visit. "Personal relations are very good because at every international meeting we have a chance to conduct a bilateral meeting," he was quoted as saying by The Associated Press.
