Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh to attend the BRICS summit in Kazan next month. The invitation was extended during a meeting between the two leaders in Ulaanbaatar.

The Russian president arrived in Mongolia late Monday for his first visit in five years.

On Tuesday morning, President Khurelsukh welcomed Putin at the State Palace in Ulaanbaatar’s main square. The reception featured a guard of honor and a group of horsemen dressed as traditional Mongolian cavalry. The national anthems of both countries were played, and Putin was presented with a bouquet of red roses by a young girl.

"I would like to invite you to Russia, to Kazan, where the BRICS summit will be held this year. This will be the first event of this level after the expansion of this organization. I hope you will take part in the BRICS+ format. We are waiting for you,” Putin told Khurelsukh as their talks began at the State Palace.

The Mongolian president has confirmed his acceptance of the invitation to attend the prestigious BRICS summit in Kazan, the capital of Russia’s Tatarstan Republic.

Scheduled to occur from October 22 to 24, this year’s BRICS summit will be hosted by Russia, which currently chairs the group—at the beginning of 2024, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE joined BRICS, expanding the group established by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

During a reception on the occasion of the 85th anniversary of victory on the Khalkh River, Putin said, "True to the traditions of military comradeship laid down by our grandfathers and fathers, Russia and Mongolia continue to actively cooperate and develop a comprehensive strategic partnership."

Strengthening friendly relations with Mongolia remains one of Russia's priorities, he added.

"All the meetings were held in a traditionally constructive and meaningful manner, allowed us to consider a wide range of issues and topical regional and international problems, and outline further prospects for a multifaceted partnership," the Russian President said.

Putin hailed Mongolia's role in pursuing a policy of cooperation with Moscow, which was confirmed by negotiations that took place.

The two countries will actively develop cooperation in traditional industries, as well as establish cooperation in the high-tech sphere, he concluded

Putin lands in Mongolia, receives grand welcome

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Mongolia on Monday, making his first visit to a member state of the International Criminal Court (ICC) since the organization issued an arrest warrant against him last year.

An ICC spokesperson said last week that, as a member of the court, Mongolia is obligated to arrest Putin, who is visiting on the anniversary of a major World War II battle.

Read more: ICC arrest warrants put international law to test: WaPo

Spokesperson Fadi el-Abdallah told the BBC that all signatories of the Rome Statute "have the obligation to cooperate in accordance with Chapter IX," including Mongolia. "In case of non-cooperation, ICC judges may make a finding to that effect and inform the Assembly of States Parties of it. It is then for the Assembly to take any measure it deems appropriate," he added.

Ukraine, among other Western countries, also requested that Mongolia arrest Putin.

However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is unconcerned with the arrest warrant and has settled the issue of Putin's visit to Mongolia separately and privately. 

Putin was greeted by a guard of honor upon his arrival in the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar.

On March 17, the ICC issued a warrant for the arrest of Putin and Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova, citing the alleged "unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation."

Read more: 'Court built for Africa and thugs like Putin': top officials told Khan

Moscow has called the claims ridiculous and has responded that the evacuation of civilians from combat zones was not a crime.

The Kremlin noted that Russia is not a party to the ICC, thus the court's decision is legally null and void for the country.

Russia previously slammed the ICC as a "puppet in the hands of the so-called collective West," affirming that the arrest warrant issued against Putin serves to put pressure on the country.