"I have already spoken about the importance of combating such national scourges as drunkenness and smoking, especially among the young. I think that beginning from 2009 we should start financing measures to propagate a healthy way of life and encourage people to give up harmful habits."

The problems that must be solved before the end of the year, such as creating of the set of instruments to expand and improve the quality of housing construction, the support of small business and removing administrative barriers in the economy, the adoption of the federal budget, were discussed at the meeting.

"Russian-Ukrainian economic partnership is on the whole developing progressively and successfully. Trade is growing steadily. A number of forward-looking joint projects are being implemented. The negotiations held so far have already shown that we are ready to discuss all the topics of concern to us in a friendly and open manner. We can resolve all the questions that arise to the benefit of both sides."