“We must create the most favourable conditions we can for families with children. Everything is important here, from government support, to the solution of housing problems, to the development of preschool education and labour market benefits.”

The focus of the meeting was on the completion of the underwater section of the second Nord Stream pipeline, which, according to the head of Gazprom, meets the strictest environmental standards. In turn, Vladimir Putin said that, despite the declining role of transit countries that transport Russian gas, cooperation with them should continue on a mutually advantageous basis.

The officials discussed the results of the first quarter in the region, which were quite good, according to the governor. In particular, investment grew and demographic figures improved. According to the governor, the perinatal centre is working “excellently” and doctors’ pay is higher than the average salary in the economy. Teachers’ pay will be raised next.

“We are creating a functioning mechanism for harnessing the initiatives of Russian society. The State Duma should debate citizen proposals that get 100,000 authorised signatures on the internet.”

“Federal Treasury revenue exceeded expenditures as early as March this year and, judging by all appearances, this trend will continue in the near future. This is primarily the result of the generally favourable state of the Russian economy.”

“Now that we’ve overcome the crisis, we’ve seen inflation drop to its lowest rate in twenty years – 6.1%. Our total sovereign debt is under 10% of GDP, which, as we know, is far less than in Europe and the United States. Our foreign exchange reserves are now the world’s third largest. This country is on the threshold of a new era.”

Talking about the package of documents ready to be signed between Rosneft and ExxonMobil, the prime minister expressed confidence that the cooperation between the two companies will be extensive and last for decades.