"The diverse and multifaceted Russian world would be unimaginable without the information space that you have created. We are all equally interested to see this space bring people together rather than separate them, promote the dialogue of civilisations, the development of educational, cultural and economic ties, work to strengthen confidence between countries and peoples, and create an objective image of Russia in the world."

The country’s leadership has set the deadline for developing Concept-2020 for the autumn of 2008, Mr Shuvalov said.

Mr Zubkov stressed that “the proposed measures should ensure an optimal balance between the domestic production of goods and the volume of imports, a balance of interests between producers and consumers of goods.”

"We must pass on from procuring individual weapons to serial supply of new military hardware for the armed forces. We should strictly comply with all the targets set by the State Programme."