Prime Minsiter Vladimir Putin and Governor Ravil Geniatulin discussed the economy in 2009, the situation in social services and the territory’s short-term challenges. The governor emphasised that last year the Trans-Baikal Territory saw the first increase in population in 20 years, and that the construction of the motorway Chita-Khabarovsk had been carried out in record time.

"In Russia we have always proceeded from the assumption that we need stability in the political system, but one that is sensitive to the changes at home and abroad. And this political system must certainly guarantee our sovereignty… The government of the Russian Federation will continue conducting consultations on vital issues with all opinions represented in the Duma and in the country in general. We are actively doing this while preparing to adopt the budget and will improve these mechanisms in working on other issues as well."

Cabinet members discussed a draft of the federal targeted programme on nuclear energy technology to consolidate Russia’s position in this high tech economic sector of the world market, amendments to the law on natural resources, and the provision of housing for the victims of the earthquake in Nevelsk on Sakhalin Island.

Vladimir Putin and Kirsan Ilyumzhinov discussed positive trends in the republic’s economic development and social services, as well as the improvement in the labour market. Mr Ilyumzhinov also spoke about the challenges of 2010, such as water shortages and the construction of power stations.

“Everything pertaining to people’s safety has always been and will remain one of the government’s main priorities. The government will continue to pay most careful attention to that.”

Vladimir Putin and Alexander Zhukov discussed certain positive trends in the labour market, focusing on the problems of single-industry towns and employment of people with disabilities. Deputy Prime Minister Zhukov reported Russia’s best doctors will now receive bonuses from the government and Prime Minister Putin signed the corresponding resolution today.

“Over the next few months we will review regulations regarding government services in all key industries and the social area. …We must continue reducing administrative barriers, increasing the transparency of our regulatory policies and getting rid of vague legal standards, which swindlers often take advantage of.”

Company officials explained to Prime Minister Putin that the business version of the Antonov An-148, which accommodates 10 people, is capable of flying up to 7,000 kilometres nonstop. It took three years to create the jet.

They summarised last year’s social and economic development of the Voronezh Region, and discussed plans for its further development. In particular, Mr Gordeyev told the Prime Minister about its ambitious goal – to get into Russia’s Top Thirty within the next five years.

“The strategic and tactical command capabilities of the armed forces are of primary importance, as is the reliability and flawless performance of communications systems and the extensive use of electronic warfare and reconnaissance systems.”

During his trip to Voronezh Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited the Sozvezdiye Group, one of the leading scientific and production enterprises of the radio-electronic industry specialising in control and communication systems for the defence and law enforcement agencies.

During his trip to Voronezh Mr Putin inspected a number of the company’s products and visited several shops, including a shop producing high-precision printed boards.

The two men discussed effective use of budget assets, including the instrument of the Long-Term Targeted Programme

The two men discussed effective use of budget assets, including the instrument of a long-term targeted programme.

A ban on the sale of smoking mixtures has been discussed. Vladimir Putin has stressed the need to prevent these mixtures from being disguised as licensed products.

A ban on the sale of smoking mixtures has been discussed. Vladimir Putin has stressed the need to prevent these mixtures from being disguised as licensed products.

The topics of discussion included raising the salaries for junior form teachers, the introduction of new administration methods at the Southern and Siberian Federal Universities and the implementation of the law on science at higher education institutions.

The topics of discussion included raising the salaries for primary school teachers, the introduction of new administration methods at the Southern and Siberian Federal Universities and the implementation of the law on science at higher education institutions.

"Higher pensions are bound to be welcomed by all recipients, pensioners above all. However, as you and I have agreed, this work should be carried out smoothly. Not a single person should be left out in the cold."