Good afternoon, colleagues! Thank you for coming and working on the Expert Council. Let me remind you of how this idea originated. First, we created the expanded, or greater Government – a committee of supporters – almost a year ago, and this eventually became the Expert Council with numerous members. How many members do we have?

Remark: 200.

Dmitry Medvedev: 200. That’s a significant number. I want you to understand that the Government is very interested in establishing continuing and productive relations with you and to meet with you in various formats to discuss the latest developments. I’m not sure that I know what you're discussing now. Mr Dvorkovich was saying insightful things about various issues... I'm sure that he’ll never say anything that can’t be put to good use. Not long ago, I cited an example of how successful these efforts can be when I commented on the work on the industrial safety law. I would like to thank everyone who was engaged in this work. I mentioned this because it was important for me to hear from businessmen that the work of experts is not just smart talk, and the Open Government has managed to resolve a problem that was not successfully dealt with by a generation of Government officials and ministers. I think that this bill spent anywhere from five to six years lying around in the Ministry. However, the problem has now been resolved.

I believe that we have about 20 bills for consideration today, which we would like to ask you to look into and debate. Please let us know your opinions, so that we can put together high-quality documents.

I encourage you to comment on any issue that interests you. Once again, I would like us to maintain a dialogue, so that my colleagues in the Government can hear your thoughts, and you can also listen to what they have to say. What are you going to discuss today?

Moderator: We are discussing a wide range of issues. We have already spoken about the need to keep up a two-way conversation. The Expert Council has suggestions and requests for regular meetings in various formats.

Dmitry Medvedev: With my participation?

Moderator: Yes.

Dmitry Medvedev: I'm certainly willing to do that. I told you back when we were working on this idea that it will require the expertise of many people in this room. I do have a request, though. Perhaps meetings with many participants are a luxury for you and Government members. They have a lot on their hands as well. If you are going to discuss some specific issues, then I'm ready to join you, if you decide that you need me.

Moderator: It would be useful. We will not take up too much of your time. Mr Abyzov will submit our suggestions to you about the format of our meetings with both you and your deputies because our colleagues have things to share with you. I’m will not try to list the questions that have already been raised here and will be raised in the future.

Dmitry Medvedev: All right. Let me tell you right away that I'm willing to do this. My suggestion is as follows – if we believe that a particular problem should be reviewed by the Government, then let’s put together draft Government instruction at the same time, so that we can get things moving, and not just debate them. Please come up with properly worded suggestions as you work on issues.

Moderator: Mr Medvedev, could you set aside some time for my colleagues to…

Dmitry Medvedev: What do your colleagues want?

Moderator: Well, they want to share their thoughts and proposals, and to ask questions...

Dmitry Medvedev: Here’s the deal. I have a long day today and I have to be at another meeting soon. There are many ministers here. They have already made their statements. There are five Government members.

Moderator: Others will speak later.

Dmitry Medvedev: Is that right? Let’s do as follows then – you will work with the ministers, and I will join you later for thematic meetings.

Moderator: Thank you.

Dmitry Medvedev: Thank you, colleagues, for working for the Government and for your own position. I’m sure that this will bring sound results in the way of quality legislation and decisions, which are so needed by our country. Many thanks again and see you soon!