Actor Steven Seagal appointed Russian ministry's 'special representative'

Russia has appointed American actor Steven Seagal as a "special representative" on US-Russian humanitarian ties.

The country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on its official Facebook page Saturday, saying the action star's role will be to promote US-Russia relations "in the humanitarian sphere," adding that the role will include collaboration "in the sphere of culture, public and youth exchanges."

The foreign ministry also added that the unpaid role will be similar to the United Nations' goodwill ambassador positions.

Seagal who has been an ardent supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, became a Russian citizen in 2016 and also attended Putin's recent swearing-in ceremony in May.