Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Malaysia today for an official visit during which he will sign an agreement to supply 18 Sukhoi fighter jets in a deal estimated to be worth RM3.4 billion, officials said.

Putin, making the first visit by a Russian head of state to Malaysia, was met at the airport by Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar amid tight security.

Putin, who will also hold talks with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, was originally due to visit on July 8 but postponed the trip after suicide bombers killed 13 people at a Moscow rock concert.