Malaysia and Russia expressed hope to increase trade between the two countries.

Both Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Russian President Vladimir Putin held bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 33rd Asean Summit Sinagpore.

Putin is attending the 3rd Asean-Russia Summit as well as the 13th East Asia Summit.

Last year, Malaysia and Russia celebrated their 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

“Relations between Russia and Malaysia have been developing and we have been doing quite well,” said Putin, adding that both countries had seen significant increase in trade in the first eight months, at over 60 percent.

“A lot more can still be done and I think a lot more could have been done during the previous years. I am very glad to meet you and to have a chance to talk...to have an opportunity with you,” he said via a translator.

Meanwhile, Mahathir said the meeting will be a platform to look into the relations with Russia and hoped to increase trade with the country.

“Our trade is quite good but we can do better,” said Mahathir.

- Bernama