“I have a big favour to ask,” Putin told Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during a meeting at the Kremlin, Russian News Agency reported. “Please convey my best wishes to the head of state, Sultan Ibrahim.

“We are waiting for him to visit Russia.”

In September last year, Sultan Ibrahim visited China – his maiden visit – for four days at the invitation of president Xi Jinping.

The trip marked the first by a Malaysian king in 10 years.

In February this year, he visited Brunei.

Separately, Anwar extended an invitation to Putin to attend the East Asia Summit, which will be held as part of the Asean Summit high-level meetings later this year.

Anwar said Putin’s visit would be a considerable honour for Malaysia and would underscore the importance of strong bilateral relations and regional diplomacy, Bernama reported.

“I can assure you that your presence in Malaysia would be a major breakthrough, not only in our bilateral relationship, but also for the region, because I believe many people in this part of the world have great respect for, and high expectations of your leadership,” he was quoted as saying at a joint press conference with Putin.