Russian President Vladimir Putin called English rock legend Elton John to propose a meeting on Thursday.

As previously reported, the world-famous entertainer and gay rights activist was pranked by a Russian comedian known as "Vovan" last week into believing he was talking on the phone with Putin. Sir Elton was so thrilled about the chance to discuss LGBT issues with Putin that he took to Instagram to thank the Russian president for reaching out.

After he realized he had been the butt of a media joke, the singer used the opportunity to draw attention to the state of LGBT rights in Russia.

"Pranks are funny. Homophobia, however, is never funny," he posted on his Instagram, adding, "I love Russia and my offer to talk to President Putin about LGBT rights still stands. I will always stand up for those that are being degraded and discriminated against. If this unfortunate incident has helped push this vital issue back into the spotlight, then I am happy to be pranked on this occasion.”

The BBC reports Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, told Russian media Putin called the entertainer and asked him not to be offended by the hoax. As soon as their calendars would allow for it, Putin said he was ready to meet with the rock star to discuss "any issues of interest."

John has already made it clear that he would like to talk to the world leader about his attitude towards gay people, which the singer has described as “prejudiced” and “ridiculous.”

Russia has invited much criticism over its laws regarding homosexuality. In 2013, Russia's lower house of parliament passed a law that would impose heavy fines on anyone who provided information about homosexuality to people under the age of 18. Although homosexuality was decriminalized in Russia in 1993, anti-gay sentiment in the country runs high.