The prime minister laid flowers at the grave of Count Nikolai Muravyov-Amursky, the first governor general of Siberia and the Far East, who made a major contribution to expanding Russia's territorial possessions.

After that, Mr Medvedev talked to residents of Vladivostok. He congratulated them on City Day and wished them health and success.

"This is the second time I'm celebrating City Day here. It's a good custom. This time you've opened a new bridge for the occasion," he said. "I'm not on my own this time – I have many ministers with me. Some of them are new to the government. They'll see [the city] for themselves."

The prime minister said he enjoyed touring Vladivostok. "You see more and more changes in the city – from better roads to huge projects. The latest project might seem like just another bridge but look how it dominates the cityscape."

After that, Mr Medvedev received a badge commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Count Muravyov-Amursky from a volunteer who had tended the governor's grave for 20 years.