Mr Putin and Mr Gordeyev discussed the socio-economic situation in the region.

“Today we are due to take another important decision, one which will concern Defence Ministry military personnel and groups of Russian citizens with an equated status. This measure will affect about 2.8 million people, and, including family members, almost 7 million. What is meant by this? From August 1, we are indexing money allowances for military personnel by 8.5%.”

“Despite the global financial and economic crisis, the current economic and political climate has not affected relations between our countries. Our trade – which reached almost $56 billion last year – is developing as effectively as our investment cooperation. Our Governments are also busy – both through inter-governmental dialogue and in separate areas. So you will have your work cut out for you in Moscow.”

Mr Sobyanin is confident that Russian-French cooperation will continue to develop, covering new areas. “All cooperation projects will be implemented in full. This refers, in particular, to the launch of a Soyuz spacecraft from the space centre in Kourou, French Guiana,” he stressed.

The meeting focused on the development of the Water Strategy of the Russian Federation, which analyses the condition of Russian water resources.

“In 2008 we ensured complete renewability of practically all of our strategic resources (oil, gas, gold, copper) with every rouble of government investment being matched by about 8-10 roubles in private investment.”

Mr Putin's attention was drawn to a map of Eurasia's gas industry. He asked about the extent of gas reserves in the north. Yevgeny Areshev replied, pointing at the map: "Here we have 12 trillion cubic meters, and this is in the Kara Sea alone." "Very impressive," Mr Putin said.

“The key priority for next year is an increase in pensions, followed by education, demographic projects and healthcare. We must focus on efforts to ensure the country’s defence capability and security, implement space research programmes, and establish the GLONASS system. We must also help the regions to support their budget balance and prepare for major international events, such as the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, the APEC summit in Vladivostok in 2012 and Universiade-2013 in Kazan.”

“It is necessary to consistently restrict or prohibit the use of obsolete and wasteful technologies, which are harmful to people and the environments, in order to improve the quality of our produce and make it more competitive in the world market. Thus, we have already made decisions to secure the rational use of petroleum gas, and stop the production of low quality gasoline. A number of new regulations have been successfully introduced in the food industry, including milk.”