Prime Minister Vladimir Putin presents the government’s annual Yury Gagarin Prizes to members of the first cosmonaut crew

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin holds a meeting on the development of Russian space centres for long-term space exploration programmes

“We must work out a national strategy for the development of space centres for the long-term perspective. We should ensure a high return on the federal investment and effectively coordinate the construction and modernisation of space centres with other federal programmes and our plans for the relevant regions of the Russian Federation.”

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin holds a meeting on promoting the development of the continental shelf

“Shelf deposits, primarily in the Arctic, without any exaggeration, are our strategic reserve for the 21st century. We must utilise it very responsibly and efficiently, complying with the highest standards of environmental protection.”

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visits the Moscow Planetarium on Cosmonautics Day

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin delivers his report on the government’s performance in 2011 to the State Duma

“We share one country; therefore, the different political forces willing to make constructive efforts should adopt, and be united by, the goal of advancing Russia’s development.”

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin attends a meeting of the Russian Geographical Society’s Board of Trustees in St Petersburg

“Since its inception, the Russian Geographic Society has borne a powerful patriotic charge. The society’s initiatives brought together the most prominent and educated people, selfless enthusiasts and hard workers truly devoted to our Motherland.”