NOVO-OGARYOVO (Moscow Region), October 16 (RIA Novosti) - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and the sultan of Brunei opened their meeting on Friday with a discussion of energy cooperation.

Putin said that Brunei was one of the world's largest liquefied natural gas producers.

"We are also starting to develop this sector," he said.

The Russian prime minister also said he hoped Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah would attend the APEC summit in Vladivostok in 2012.

"We are ready to host the summit in 2012 in Russia's Far East. We hope to see you there," he said.

Bolkiah arrived in Russia on Monday and has met with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, as well as officials from Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport for discussions on the possibility of future arms purchases.

Analysts believe Russia's trade with the southeast Asian nation could increase to $50-75 million over the coming three to five years. Last year it was worth $802,700 with Russian exports at $801,900 and imports at a mere $800.