President Putin meets Paulo Coelho after Russia journey

Putin suggested similarities between Brazillians and Russians is the reason Coelho's books are popular in Russia.

President Vladimir Putin met Thursday with Brazillian author Paulo Coelho, who shared his impressions of a two-week journey across Russia by train.

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Chatting with Coelho at his residence outside Moscow, Putin suggested similarities between Brazilians and Russians are behind the strong popularity of his books in Russia.

"Despite the large distance between Russia and Brazil, three is probably something in the souls of the Russian and Brazilian people that unites us; this is why what you write - or rather, the way you write - hits close to the heart for a Russian person," Putin said in televised comments.

Coelho, a best-selling author in Russia, travelled from Moscow to Vladivostok by rail, making stops along the way. He said that when he saw Siberia's Lake Baikal, the world's deepest fresh-water lake, he knew he had to take a dip despite the frigid temperature of 4 degrees Celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit).

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Brazillian author Paulo Coelho and said that he enjoyed Coelho's books

"Brazillians are stronger," Putin joked. "Not everybody here would have the courage."

Putin said he had enjoyed books by Coelho including The Alchemist, an inspirational tale about a shepherd boy, and Warrior of the Light: A Manual.