Russian President Vladimir Putin will make an historic visit to Malaysia on Tuesday to strengthen bilateral relations and to ink three agreements, one of which is to supply fighter jets, officials said.

Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said the visit signifies the close relations between the countries and was to focus on boosting cooperation in trade, science and technology.

Putin's trip marks the first by a Russian president to Malaysia and was "very significant" as Russia was a bridge, able to communicate the views of developing countries such as Malaysia to developed nations.

Trade between the countries last year stood at RM1.3 billion, and Malaysia hopes to tap into the huge Russian market and expand its palm oil exports.

Business council

Putin is to meet with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to discuss a wide range of bilateral and international issues and is to launch the Malaysia-Russia business council while on his one-day visit.

The two leaders will sign agreements on cooperation in science and technology as well as in information communications technology while also signing a contract for the supply and delivery of Sukhoi SU-30 MKM combat aircraft, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Putin is to be accompanied by an official delegation of ministers, senior govenrment officials and business leaders. - AFP