Mr Ivanov said, in part, that Russia “needs a comprehensive system of support for industrial exports, primarily in such competitive areas as space, nuclear power generation, aircraft manufacturing and shipbuilding.”

"Whatever we do should concentrate on man. We must focus attention on helping honest workers who coped with their housing and other problems as best they could but are now in dire straits through no fault of theirs. I outlined those acute issues and additional steps to settle them yesterday. Now, I want to analyse them in greater detail and describe proposed practical patterns to implement everything I mentioned yesterday."

"This year, experts have registered dynamic development of bilateral trade and economic contacts. Trade is steadily going up; this year, it has increased by almost 17%. Russian investments are promoting the Armenian economic upsurge. They have already exceeded $1.6 billion."

Mr Zubkov described the contacts between the two Governments as very fruitful, noting that mutual trade had increased by 1.5 times since the beginning of the year compared with the same period of last year.

"I would like to note with satisfaction that bilateral relations are developing rather successfully in virtually every area, including the energy sector. We are implementing ambitious projects and maintain large-scale cooperation. I am convinced that your visit will be very business-like, useful and constructive."

“None of the Russian investors have abandoned their commitments to Olympic facilities construction in Sochi,” Mr Kozak said.

"There have been many questions, and they are vital for people. Quite often, these are critical questions, but they reflect exactly what worries people. I'm indeed grateful to the Russian people for these questions, for the open conversation we had about real problems that the man on the street encounters."

The Commission backed the proposal to assign a special code for electrical trains with a maximum speed of not less than 250 kmph and to establish for them a zero customs import duty on a temporary basis (for 9 months) (the current rate is between 5 and 10%).