According to the Australian Financial Review #Russia is making a fresh play for influence in the region, with Timor-Leste embracing closer ties with #Moscow, raising concerns the Kremlin is seeking to expand its footprint just hundreds of kilometres from Australia’s northern coastline. #Russian president Vladimir #Putin met Timor-Leste’s prime minister Xanana Gusmao on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Special Summit in the Russian city of Kazan last week