He said that in the medium term, the world prices for oil, raw materials, and food would remain high and this would have a negative effect on the economic development of some CIS countries.

"The problem of nursery schools is becoming more acute. I believe that the Government should take a pro-active stance in this area, cooperating more closely with local administrations. In particular, we need to support municipal authorities applying new methods in preschool education."

"Instead of completely compensating reduced domestic and global demand (which is impossible, as you are well aware of), the Russian government should facilitate the work of institutions that help the economy to adapt to new realities.The Government is supposed to fulfill all of its social commitments and prevent a decline in living standards."

The two sides expressed an interest in expanding the EBRD’s participation in investment projects in Russia in the field of agriculture, forestry and fisheries.

The meeting focused on the development of the GLONASS navigation satellite system.

In the course of the meeting Mr Putin and Mr Kiriyenko discussed the federal target programme Development of the Nuclear Energy Industry in 2007-2010 and up to 2015.

During the conference Mr Zubkov drew attention to the fact that there are no long-term forest lease contracts. In his opinion, that results in ineffective forest use, unauthorised logging and fires.