The issues discussed at the meeting included the results achieved by the interdepartmental group on countering illegal financial transactions and corruption, which was established recently, as well as proposals to improve legislation in this sphere.

"We need to work out a comprehensive strategy for implementing the federal targeted programmes. We should increase the accountability of the individuals and agencies in charge of implementing the projects. We also need to review the selection criteria and the system of objectives and indicators for the federal targeted programmes."

“It is our duty to guarantee that the natural gas needs of Russian consumers – housing and utilities, industry, agriculture, and private consumers – are met. We must also strengthen and expand our presence in world markets. It is evident that the future of the gas complex depends on its technological modernisation, cost reduction, and greater production and financial efficiency.”

“On the backdrop of rather complicated global economic and financial processes, Russia confidently started 2012. The first two months of the year saw positive dynamics in practically all of the key areas and indicators.”

“We need to go beyond simply disbursing the colossal amounts of funding that we have allocated towards achieving our purported goals. What we need to do is achieve new levels of quality in education, healthcare, defence and other crucial areas of the national economy. The money should be used for reform and to improve effectiveness.”