“The most important achievement of this past year is the consolidation of the trend towards steady growth. The Russian economy has overcome the effects of the crisis and has reached its pre-crisis figures in key parameters.”

The Russian president said that this past year was not an easy one for our country, but unlike a fairly large number of developed economies, “we have achieved rather good results.” In response, the prime minister pointed out that “the decisions that we made took into account the interests of all groups.” “By the end of the year we managed to overcome the consequences of the global economic crisis in the Russian economy,” said Vladimir Putin.

“When I talk about the need to ensure transparent elections, I want you to remember that it is above all us who need transparency, because we must be confident of people’s support. This is a fundamental issue, for it is impossible to implement such challenging plans without people’s support.”

The two officials discussed the results of Mordovia’s socio-economic development in 2011, primarily in agriculture, which, according to the prime minister, made a "very significant leap forward" despite the drought, and in housing construction and public services.

“The interests of the state consist not only of collecting taxes but also ensuring comfortable working conditions for all taxpayers. Our fiscal instruments should stimulate economic activity, not suppress it,” Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said at the meeting.

Dmitry Rogozin, in his capacity as deputy prime minister, will be in charge of everything related to the development of the defence industry, which, as Vladimir Putin noted, is in need of modernisation. Mr Rogozin said he would shortly submit proposals aimed at reviving the defence industry.