Vladimir Putin praised the industrial performance of the region, whose output is growing at a rate above the nation’s average. But he reminded the governor about Novosibirsk’s outstanding wage debt. They also discussed healthcare and school reform as well as current problems in pre-school education.

“I am confident that the role and importance of Russia’s transport industry will continue to grow. We need higher living standards and better quality of life, a more comfortable environment in big cities and small towns. That is impossible to achieve without modern transport services, which include – and I would like to emphasise this – convenient and affordable public transport.”

“I see with satisfaction that we have regained our pre-crisis trade level. Pakistan is our major trade and economic partner and an important partner in South Asia and the Muslim world.”

“I am particularly happy to note that our previous decisions on trading of the rouble and yuan have been developing; the first exchange trade has already taken place. Amid the well-known problems in global finances, this calculation system improves stability in our economic relations, of course,” the Russian prime minister said.

“Russia is committed to conducting active work in this organisation. This concerns expanding trade and economic relations, security and humanitarian issues. All these things are our absolute priorities.”