SOCHI, May 19. /TASS/. Russia considers Brunei as a reliable partner in the Asia-Pacific region, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah on Thursday.

"We have very kind relations, we consider your country as a very reliable partner in the Asia-Pacific region," the Russian leader said at the meeting held on the sidelines of the Russia-ASEAN summit in Sochi.

Putin said he is "very glad" to meet with Brunei’s leader. "There are some issues that are becoming more topical in the context of our cooperation," he said, suggesting that these issues should be discussed at the meeting on Thursday.

Memorandum on understanding in defense sphere

Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah said Russia and Brunei would sign a memorandum on understanding in defense sphere today.

"I am very glad that two important agreements will be signed in the framework of our meeting - memorandum on mutual understanding in defense sphere, as well as in the sphere of culture," he said at the meeting with Vladimir Putin.

He added that it is important to ensure implementation of the agreement on easing visa regime between the two countries. "This will facilitate development of tourism between the two countries," the sultan said.

He also noted that Russia and Brunei maintain close contacts, including in the sphere of energy. "We hope that we will be able to develop contacts in the spheres of energy, trade and defense," he concluded.