MOSCOW, November 25. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has presented a brand new Russian passport to American actor Steven Seagal. The president pointed to the fact that they had discussed this opportunity a while ago. "We have agreed from the very beginning that we won’t politicize this matter," Putin added.

He also said that it would be easier of the actor to implement his creative ideas and maintain contacts with his friends in Russia after receiving Russian citizenship. "I would like to congratulate you, and I also hope that this small step will mark the beginning of the gradual improvement in our interstate relations," Putin stated.

"The passport won’t be valid without your signature," Putin noted handing the passport over to Seagal. After that the actor signed the first page of his Russian passport.

"Thank you very much", Steven Seagal said to the president in Russian.

According to the Russian leader, he still keeps all the presents he received from Seagal and expects to maintain good relations with the new Russian citizen.