Prime Minister Vladimir Putin meets with First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov to discuss progress made on the programme for economic cooperation with South Ossetia and Abkhazia

First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov reported to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on the government delegation’s visit to South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Mr Shuvalov stressed that the programme is being largely implemented: over the past two years most of the agreed upon facilities in South Ossetia have been restored. The prime minister emphasised the need to harmonise the economic legislation of Russia, South Ossetia and Abkhazia as well as to improve customs control on the borders with these republics.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin meets with the Minister of Education and Science Andrei Fursenko to discuss preparations in schools and universities for the new academic year

During the meeting, the Prime Minister stressed the need to pay particular attention to children whose families have been affected by the forest fires. There should be “no disruption to the school year” for children affected by the natural disaster, said the Prime Minister. Mr Fursenko reported back to the Prime Minister on this year’s university admissions, stressing the increased demand for technical vocations among the applicants. In addition, Prime Minister Putin and Mr Fursenko discussed the implementation of programs to support vocational education.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin meets with Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Yury Trutnev

Guaranteeing the water supply to the population and economic entities was the main subject discussed. The minister reported that the situation at water supply facilities is somewhat strained due to the extreme weather conditions and increased consumption of water in fire fighting and for watering the soil. However, Mr Trutnev said that a reserve of water was being held in the reservoirs and that there is currently enough water to satisfy the needs of the economy and the people.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting of the Government Presidium

"In conditions of the abnormal heatwave and the drought I think it is expedient to introduce a temporary ban on the export of grain and any grain-containing products from the Russian Federation. Yes, we have enough reserves – 9.5 million tons, but we must prevent an increase in domestic food prices and keep livestock and form a reserve for next year."

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin meets with South African President Jacob Zuma

During the meeting Prime Minister Vladimir Putin emphasized that Russia and the Republic of South Africa had long-standing and “very durable” ties and expressed the hope that his visit would create momentum for the development of bilateral relations.