The Commission discussed several measures of customs tariff regulation aimed at supporting the domestic automobile industry proposed pursuant to the directive of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin issued during his working trip to Yelabuga.

"We are glad that the process of normalisation in Lebanon, too, is gathering pace, if only little by little. For all that, we realise that the situation in the region remains complicated. We are ready, as before, to do all we can in the economic sphere and in the sphere of political contacts to normalise the situation and to make sure that it moves in a positive direction."

"The goals outlined in the Development Strategy up to 2020 and the Guidelines for the Government's Policy are now more relevant than ever before. I am referring to diversifying and streamlining the economy, building up a robust national financial system, and realising infrastructure and social projects."

Mr Sechin, who co-chairs the Commission, said Russia and Venezuela were doing their best to create the required legal framework that would facilitate bilateral cooperation in various spheres.

"I am very glad to see our relations becoming transformed into growing interstate contacts, which are developing in every field. What matters even more, Russian-Italian economic ties are an essential stability factor in a problem-laden situation in the global economy and finance."

"We shall dramatically increase the Culture Ministry budget next year, with an emphasis on restoring such monuments as the Derbent fortress".

The meeting discussed allocation of money from the Government Reserve Fund to make up for the losses incurred by the cattle die-off in the Stavropol Territory.

French singer Mireille Mathieu, whose concert in Moscow Mr Putin and Mr Qaddafi had visited earlier this evening, came to the tent with them.