Twitter pokes fun at Russia's Bishop error

Russia's foreign affairs ministry is facing social media ridicule for referring to Foreign Minister Julie Bishop as a "he".

The ministry's official Twitter account published a tweet responding to reports that Ms Bishop plans to block Russian President Vladimir Putin from attending the G20 leaders' summit in Brisbane in November.

"#Lavrov: The Australian FM's idea not to invite Russia to the G20 summit is not surprising but he should not lose sight of its principles," the ministry tweeted on Tuesday, apparently quoting its Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Sweden's Foreign Minister Carl Bildt was among the first to highlight the mistake.

"You should know that Australia FM @juliebishopmp is not a he. Fairly basic," he tweeted.

Australia's Russian envoy Paul Myler joined in on the ridicule.

"Thanks Carl! Borders, genders - all a bit confusing right now!" he posted, before retweeting the comments, which have yet to be corrected or deleted.

Ms Bishop is expected to discuss Mr Putin's attendance at the G20 summit with other G20 participants during the NATO summit in Wales this week.