The Kremlin on Monday called Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson, a top contender to serve as secretary of State in Donald Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE's administration, "highly professional," Reuters reported.

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"As part of his duties as head of one of the biggest oil companies, he had contacts with our representatives," spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on a conference call with reporters.

"He carries out his duties in a highly professional way."

Peskov said Tillerson and Russian President Vladimir Putin had "working meetings," when asked how close the oil executive is to the Russia president.

"Indeed, the president received him several times," Peskov said.

"As for assertions about whether he will treat the Russian Federation well or badly, there is a big difference between being secretary of State and being head of a company, albeit a large one," Peskov added. "Any sympathies and so forth always take a back seat and all that remains is a willingness to show a constructive attitude and to display professionalism. So we hope that this is exactly what will happen."

Trump is expected to tap Tillerson as his nominee for secretary of State. The president-elect has praised Tillerson as a "world-class leader."

But some critics have raised concerns over Tillerson's close ties to the Russian president.