The Russian Prime Minister and the architect of the Singaporean economic miracle discussed current problems of the world economy.

Mr Putin said that Russians knew and appreciated Mr Lee's role in the emergence of the modern Singaporean economy and the impact of Singaporean economic policy on all of Southeast Asia.

Mr Putin stressed that Russian-Singaporean trade and economic relations were continuing to develop despite the global economic crisis, and had made significant progress in the first quarter of 2009.

Mr Putin and Mr Lee also exchanged opinions on current problems in the world economy.