BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Russia supports the idea of establishing a free trade area (FTA) in the Asia Pacific region, which is believed to enhance the country's position in the Asia-Pacific market, President Vladimir Putinsaid in a signed article published here on Thursday.

"We support the idea of forming an Asia-Pacific free trade area. We believe this is in our practical interest and represents an opportunity to strengthen our positions" in the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific markets, reads the article.