Russia awaiting visit of sultan of Malaysia - Russian president

MOSCOW. May 14 (Interfax) - Russia is awaiting a visit of Sultan Ibrahim of Malaysia, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Dear Mr. Prime Minister, I have a big request: please, convey my best wishes to the supreme ruler, Sultan Ibrahim, we are expecting him to visit Russia," Putin said at a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Russia is important to Malaysia, Anwar, who is paying an official visit to Moscow, said. "Russia is our great friend, we respect your country. We discussed that with numerous businessmen last week, and talked with the [Russian] prime minister today. We seek to fulfill the plan with the help of negotiations and, of course, hope for your personal support for this cooperation, so that we could carry out our partnership," he said.