The Prime Minister said at the meeting that direct foreign investment in the Russian economy has grown noticeably over the past 10 months compared to last year, reaching $36 billion.

“It is obvious that what the Russian citizens want above all is justice in the broadest sense of that word. The country must develop for the people and not at the expense of the people. Every decision we make and every step we take must meet the interests of the absolute majority of our country’s citizens. The fundamental principle of any transformations and reforms is to take care of the people, which means preserving and fostering Russia’s future, creating Russia’s future.”

Vladimir Putin thanked Father Ephraim and Mount Athos Holy Community for their decision to bring the Cincture of the Virgin Mary, one of the most treasured Orthodox relics, to Russia. This “shows the spiritual affinity between our nations and will strengthen it,” the prime minister said.

“We are proud that Russia has been part of the Olympic movement practically from the very beginning. We share and support the philosophy of the Olympic movement, the fundamental values and ideas set forth by baron de Coubertin. Talent and hard work, the spirit of friendship and solidarity, fair competition and the champion’s grace and nobility – these are values common to each nation, qualities that unite all humanity.”

“Today’s Presidium meeting agenda includes issues concerned with developing cooperation with Belarus and the advance of all our integration processes,” the prime minister noted. The number one issue, according to him, is Russian energy supplies to Belarus.

“The government agencies and the United Russia parliamentary party in the State Duma certainly wanted the best for the people. I don’t think that they have achieved the best results in all of their undertakings, but their efforts can be assessed on the whole as satisfactory.”