Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:

Vladimir Putin: Mr Zyuganov, Mr Melnikov,

Our meetings prior to the government report to parliament have become a tradition, and I think it’s a good tradition, like the report itself. A preliminary consultation like this is very useful because, as a rule, it not only summarises the preceding year but it also reviews the coming prospects. That is what makes the opinions of all political influences represented at the federal level so important to me.

Gennady Zyuganov: I thought you’ve saved us for a final titbit.

Vladimir Putin: Not for final titbit but for the desert. I am really glad to talk to you. I know that our opinions differ on many matters, but we also agree on many things.

Again, I’m happy to see you. Let’s get started. Go ahead please.

Gennady Zyuganov: Mr Putin, this meeting matters a lot to us. First, you have been very careful with your report to the State Duma, and I think it will be a timely report. This is why we have a long list of critical questions for you regarding the development of agriculture, aviation and the military-industrial complex and the problems of fiscal policy and legislation. We have a package of interesting proposals prepared, and I hope we will discuss them again today.

The celebrations of the 50^th anniversary of Yury Gagarin’s space flight have just ended. During these celebrations, we travelled all over the country to meet with the leading engineers, scientists, workers and experts who built Baikonur and other space related centres. We see these meetings from the point of view of Russia’s current modernisation. We discussed where federal money should go for the development of key industries without which modernisation would be out of the question. Very interesting proposals have been offered on the development of machine tool building, instrument manufacturing, robotics and other critical industries that will guarantee our economic stability.

Spring sowing is close at hand, and we are worried to see that mere diesel fuel is more expensive than petrol and unaffordable to private farmers and other growers. So we would like to discuss with you the problems of pricing and wholesale rates – from fuel to food, drugs and other items. We think that such consultations are necessary and promise great benefit. So both we and our Duma group  are preparing for the government report.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.