Sir Elton John regrets he didn’t get to meet President Vladimir Putin during his current trip to Moscow, but says he’s looking forward to meeting the Russian leader in the future to discuss LGBT issues.

Performing on Monday before an enthusiastic crowd at a Moscow concert hall, the rock star thanked Putin for inviting him to “discuss some serious issues in Russia, including LGBT and HIV and Aids,” expressing hope they could eventually meet.

Elton John in Russia (Pavel Golovkin/AP/Press Association Images)
Elton John in Russia (Pavel Golovkin/AP/Press Association Images)

Sir Elton has criticised a Russian law against gay “propaganda” and comments by Putin suggesting that gay people prey on children.

Putin called the singer in September to say he’d be willing to meet and talk about any issues that concern him.

His call came after Russian pranksters posing as Putin fooled Sir Elton, prompting the musician to post an Instagram message thanking the President for calling.