Putin's Throne Riddle: A Humorous Moment in Kremlin Talks

In a lighthearted moment during a serious meeting in the Kremlin's St. Andrew's Hall, Russian President Vladimir Putin posed a question to the Malaysian Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, about the purpose of a third throne alongside those for the Tsar and Tsarina. Mr. Ibrahim's quick and humorous response, "For the second wife," sparked laughter among those present. President Putin explained the throne was actually for the mother of Tsar Nicholas II, but praised Mr. Ibrahim's answer as that of a "true Muslim." The exchange served as a reminder of both cultural differences and the importance of communication between nations. "The traditional values of our countries may differ," Putin later noted, "but the exchange of views is always valuable."