President Vladimir Putin presents Steven Seagal with Russian passport

MOSCOW, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Actor Steven Seagal met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to receive a Russian passport after being granted citizenship in early November.

The Kremlin shared photos and a transcript of the meeting, as Putin presented Seagal with the official document on Friday.

"You have many friends in this country and you have professional plans as well. Naturally, Russian citizenship and a Russian passport will make it easier for you to meet your friends and carry out your plans," Putin said. "First, I would like to congratulate you on this occasion and express the hope that this is yet another gesture, probably a small one, but still a gesture, and may indicate a gradual normalization of our interstate relations."

Putin signed an executive order granting Seagal Russian citizenship on Nov. 3 after the action star requested citizenship and referred to the Russian president as "one of the greatest world leaders."

Seagal thanked Putin in Russian after signing the passport, as Putin asked the actor about the status of his "professional plans."

"Everything is good," Seagal said. "We will talk later about the world, but for now I am just honored to be here, and I am so happy to see you again."

The two men reportedly bonded over their shared love of martial arts and Putin thanked Seagal for bringing gifts and said he hoped the two "will preserve and continue our personal relations," as they ended their meeting.

"Never ever falter, never," Seagal replied.