MOSCOW, June 7 (Xinhuanet) -- Russia will strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific region while continuing its participation in regional bodies, President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday as he met with visiting Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah.

    "We intend to continue to participate in regional organizations of the Asia-Pacific region. We will not only participate, but also strengthen our presence there and expand cooperation," Putin was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency.

    Russia and Brunei have sound chances to advance their trade and business relations, Putin said, adding that investments, oil and gas, science, arms deals and energy are among the most promising areas for cooperation.

    Putin also invited Brunei to take part in promising projects in Siberia and the Far East of Russia.

    Hassanal Bolkiah, for his part, said Russia "is a good friend and promising partner" for Southeast Asia. He agreed that bilateral trade and business relations should be expanded.

    The sultan told Putin that one of the purposes of his Moscow visit was to confirm Russia's importance for Asia.

    He welcomed Russia's readiness to help Brunei tackle pressing economic tasks.

    In a joint statement issued after their meeting, the two leaders said Russia and Brunei are satisfied with the development of their relations.

    The two nations also reached consensus that new challenges and threats should be resisted and that the central coordinating role of the United Nations and its Security Council should be supported.

    All states should comply with international agreements on arms control, disarmament and the nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the statement said. Enditem