Russian President Vladimir Putin has appeared in public for the first time since 5 March.

The 62-year-old met Kyrgyzstan President Almazbek Atambayev at the Constantine Palace, outside St Petersburg, on Monday.

Commenting on speculation about his health, Mr Putin said "it would be boring without the gossip," according to the RIA news agency.

There has been much speculation about the location of the Russian President in recent weeks.

Mr Putin had not been seen in public since March 5th, with many questioning whether photographs released by the Kremlin last week of the president at work were even taken during his 11-day absence. 

There have been plenty of rumours concerning the president's whereabouts - with speculation ranging from a coup to the birth of a secret love child. Some suggest he may simply have the flu or a bad back.

You can read more about the rumours that have surrounded Putin's 'disappearance' here.

Kevin O'Flynn is a Moscow-based journalist, and he spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning about Vladimir Putin's mysterious - and uncharacteristic - absence from the public eye.

Kevin started by talking about the meeting planned for today: