DHAKA: Russia’s president Vladimir Putin on Monday reappeared in public after an unusually long 10-day absence, dismissing as ‘rumors’ frenzied speculation over his health and whereabouts.

Looking somewhat pale, Putin shook hands with Kyrgyz president Almazbek Atambayev at the start of a meeting at the sumptuous Konstantinov’s Palace just outside Saint Petersburg, says The Straits Times.

‘We would be bored if there were no rumors,’ Putin said at a meeting with Atambayev, a media correspondent reported.

BDST: 1758 HRS, MAR 16, 2015