Vladimir Putin The Australian 2006...

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John Stapleton

HEAVY security blanketed Sydney airport as Russian leader Vladimir Putin arrived shortly before 7.30am. He is first serving Russian leader to ever visit Australia.

Unlike George Bush, who travelled with three aircraft and an entourage of more than 700, Putin arrived in a single Russian aircraft marked with the blue, white and red of the Russian federation.

He is travelling with a high-flying Russian business delegation, which exited from the rear of the aircraft.

The arrival of the Russian President to join US President George Bush and China's leader Hu Jintao means the world's three most powerful leaders are now in Sydney for the APEC World Leaders meeting this weekend.

Surrounded by offices from the Australian Federal Police and Australian Protective Services as well as local police, Putin was greeted by NSW Premier Morris Iemma, Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer and Russian ambassador to Australia Alexander Blokhin. Others in the welcoming delegation included a representative of the Governor General Ted Wynberg, Lieutenant Governor of NSW James Spigelman and the Australian ambassador to Moscow Robert Tyson.

Putin was on the tarmac for barely two minutes and spoke only briefly to the welcoming delegation.

Appearing relaxed, he then took off his jacket before getting into a long black mercedes limousine with curtins which had been flown to Australia for the occasion.

The 16 vehicle cavalcade swept out of the airport towards his hotel.

Putin flew in from Jakarta, where he signed a $1.2 billion one-year deal to sell Russian military equipment on credit.

Putin was whisked straight to the Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay and was then scheduled to meet the Prime Minister at 9.30, followed by a meeting with Cabinet members.

Prime Minister John Howard and President Putin are to sign a controversial deal allowing mining companies to export Australian uranium to Russia for its domestic use. The sale of uranium is expected to dominate discussians today.

The two leaders will hold a joint press conference this morning. Prime Minister Howard will then host a luncheon at the Sydney Opera House.

As the leader of his government, protocol dictates that President Putin meet with Australia's head of state Governor General Michael Jeffreys. Putin is scheduled to appear at Admiralty House at five this afternoon.

Foreign Minister Downer has revealed that he has bought Putin a bottle of Australia's most revered wine, Penfold's Grange Hermitage.

Russia's ambassador to APEC Vasily Dobrovolsky has described Putin's visit as a ``landmark in the relationship'' between Russia and Australia.