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Dmitry Medvedev congratulated Mr Yanukovych on the completion of the election campaign which was highly appraised by international observers, and his success in the presidential elections.

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The development of relations between Russia and the EU, the President of Russia’s initiative regarding a European Security Treaty, and a visa-free travel regime for citizens of Russia and EU member-states were among the subjects discussed.

These issues were considered in conjunction with Russia’s Economic Development Strategy through to 2020 and the EU development strategy for 2010-2020.

Within the Partnership for Modernisation initiated by the Russian President at the EU-Russia summit in Stockholm [on November 18, 2009] Dmitry Medvedev and Felipe Gonzalez discussed the prospects for cooperation between Russia and the EU.

The Group of Wise Persons is an independent research team and considers issues relating to the socio-economic development and security of the European Union.

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Best of Russia is an annual national open photographic competition in which anyone, whether professional or amateur, can take part. This was the second time the competition was held.

More than 25,000 photos from all parts of the country were entered in the 2009 competition, and the jury selected 365 from among them. The selected photographers’ ages range from 7 to 86. The photos are divided into five categories: Russia’s architecture; Russia’s nature; people; style; events and everyday life.

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The President submitted the candidacy of Magomedsalam Magomedov to the People’s Assembly of the Republic of Daghestan for the post of president of Daghestan, and the candidacies of Lev Kuznetsov to the Legislative Assembly of Krasnoyarsk Territory, Natalya Komarova to the Duma of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area - Yugra, and Alexander Vinnikov to the Legislative Assembly of the Jewish Autonomous Region, for the posts of governors of these regions.

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Developing bilateral trade and economic ties, and bolstering cooperation on the international stage, including in combating international terrorism and extremism were the subjects of discussion.

Mr Medvedev congratulated Mr Rajapaksa on his victory in Sri Lanka’s presidential election on January 26, 2010.

Mr Rajapaksa is in Moscow to take part in events celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia.

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The prize was awarded to biophysicist Yekaterina Shishatskaya for developing biodegradable polymers used in medicine, chemist Alexei Knyazev for developing a catalyser for producing substances used, in particular, in new generation rocket fuels, chemist Alexei Bobrovsky for his work on liquid crystal polymers used in information technology, and radio-physicist Pavel Belov for developing technology for processing and transmitting super-high resolution images.

The award ceremony took place at the Kremlin’s St Catherine Hall. The President congratulated the laureates on the high recognition their achievements have received and presented them with the honorary decorations and the accompanying diplomas and certificates.

In his speech at the ceremony, Mr Medvedev stressed that supporting young scientists is one of the state’s priorities. Despite the economic difficulties brought on by the global financial crisis, the authorities will continue expanding the system of grants and prizes, above all those supporting developers of new technology.

The President’s Prize in Science and Innovation for Young Scientists, awarded once a year, was established by a presidential executive order signed by Mr Medvedev on July 30, 2008.

The order states that the prize is awarded “for substantial contribution to developing Russian science and innovation, with the aim of encouraging the laureates’ further research and creating favourable conditions for new scientific advances and innovative achievements”.

Speech at Ceremony Awarding the President’s Prize in Science and Innovation for Young Scientists for 2009

Signing an executive order on Awarding the Russian Federation President's Prize in Science and Innovation for Young Scientists for 2009, February 5, 2010

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Mr Dmitriev reported on support measures for small and medium-sized businesses and implementation of the bank’s anti-crisis programmes.

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President Medvedev expressed his gratitude to the current President of the Republic of Tatarstan for his many years of leadership and his contribution to the development of confederate relations in Russia.

The President also said that he had signed an executive order awarding Mintimer Shaimiyev the Order for Services to the Fatherland, III degree.

The presidential powers of Mr Shaimiyev, who has led the republic since 1991 (for four terms), are due to expire on March 25, 2010. In January Mr Shaimiyev asked President Medvedev not to put forward his candidacy for another term, emphasising the need to give the younger generation a chance to prove themselves in the job.

On January 27, 2010 Dmitry Medvedev submitted to the State Council of Tatarstan the candidacy of Rustam Minnikhanov. On February 4 the State Council of Tatarstan unanimously vested him with the powers of president. The inauguration of the new President of Tatarstan will take place on March 25.

Beginning of Meeting with President of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiyev

Dmitry Medvedev submitted to the State Council of Tatarstan the candidacy of Rustam Minnikhanov for the post of President of the Republic of Tatarstan, January 27, 2010

Working meeting with President of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiyev, January 22, 2010

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The two presidents discussed topical issues of bilateral relations, cooperation within the framework of multilateral organisations, and interaction on the international agenda.

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The President announced the documents’ signature at a meeting with the permanent members of Russia’s Security Council.

Taking part in the meeting were Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Federation Council Speaker Sergei Mironov, State Duma Speaker Boris Gryzlov, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Naryshkin, Secretary of the Security Council Nikolai Patrushev, Deputy Prime Minister and Government Chief of Staff Sergei Sobyanin, Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov, Interior Minister Rashid Nurgaliyev, Director of the Federal Security Service Alexander Bortnikov, and Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service Mikhail Fradkov.

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The social and economic situation in the region was the subject of discussion.

Dmitry Medvedev noted that, given the republic’s natural beauty and attraction as a resort destination, tourism should be developed as one of the engines driving economic growth in the region.

Mr Berdnikov said that a tourism and recreation zone is being created in the region and that Altai Republic received nearly one million visitors last year. 

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The first president of Namibia gave the President of Russia a message from the current President of the Republic of Namibia Hifikepunye Pohamba.

Sam Nujoma arrived in Moscow to attend the celebrations marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia.

Beginning of Meeting with the First President of Namibia Sam Nujoma

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Following tradition, the presentation ceremony took place in the Grand Kremlin Palace’s St Alexander Hall.

Addressing the new ambassadors, the President wished them successful work in Russia and touched on a number of current international issues.

Letters of credence were presented by Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia Oleg Yesayan, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria Margot Klestil-Loffler, Ambassador of the Republic of Fiji Isikeli Uluinairai Mataitoga, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Ahmed al Hassan, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Lesotho Makase Nyaphisi, Ambassador of the Republic of Malawi Isaac Chikwekwere Lamba, Ambassador of the Principality of Monaco Claude Giordan, Ambassador of the Republic of Niger Amina Djibo Bazindre, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman Mohammed al Hassan, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Tonga Sione Ngongo Kioa, and Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia Patrick Nailobi Sinyinza.

Speech at Presentation by Foreign Ambassadors of their Letters of Credence

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The 2009 prize winners are:

Pavel Belov (Saint-Petersburg State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics) for the results of his research on the physics of metamaterials (artificial materials with electromagnetic properties not found in nature) and their applications in miniaturizing components for optical and electronic devices;

Alexei Bobrovsky (Lomonosov Moscow State University) for his scientific achievements in creating multifunction liquid crystal polymers for use in information technology;

Alexei Knyazev (Tomsk State University) for the development and industrial trials and use of technology for producing glyoxal with application of nano-catalysts;

Yekaterina Shishatskaya (Institute of Biophysics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences) for research on development of technology for producing biodegradable polymers (trademark BIOPLASTOTAN) and establishing the scientific foundations for their use in medical practice.

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Mr Rajapaksa will attend the celebrations of the fiftieth anniversary of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia in Moscow.

Earlier in the day, Mr Medvedev sent his congratulations to the faculty and students at the Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia on the fiftieth anniversary of its founding.

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In his telegram the President noted, in particular, that the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia is “rightfully considered one of the country’s leading universities, providing not only high-quality education, but also cultivating respect and interest for different cultures.

The university has produced tens of thousands of graduates working now in 170 different countries and helping to strengthen these countries’ friendly ties and mutually advantageous cooperation with Russia.

I hope that productive research and educational work will continue to be your university’s calling card,” the President said.

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The meeting of the Council took place on January 19, 2010.

The document gives orders on implementing in 2010 the first stage of Russia’s Demographic Policy Concept through to 2025, approved by Presidential Executive Order on October 9, 2007, making the necessary adjustments in accordance with positive trends in the birth rate and reduction in the mortality rates, including infant and maternal mortality.

The document gives instructions to open perinatal centres and introduce modern technology for caring for newborns, in accordance with the standards recommended by the World Health Organisation, and also to improve the mechanism for disbursing funds under the maternity capital programme.

The Government has been instructed, in particular, to approve a priority task plan for 2010, as well as a plan for 2011-2015 on modernising basic education within the framework of the Our New School national education initiative, and to submit to the President an annual progress report on this work.

The Government, together with the regional executive authorities, has been instructed to submit proposals for improving the school catering system, medical assistance for children in pre-school and general educational establishments, and making treatment in sanatoriums and health resorts available to children.

The instruction has also been given to draft proposals on improving the work of Support Fund for Children in Difficult Circumstances, established by Presidential Executive Order of March 26, 2008.

The regional executive authorities have been recommended to draw up action plans for their regions.

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The President also gave instructions to check on earlier decisions to demolish certain buildings and drew attention to the inadmissibility of turning the process of resolving similar problems into a campaign.

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The fund is being organised by Russia’s Foreign Ministry acting as its founder on behalf of the Russian Federation. Its property and assets will be formed through allocations from the federal budget, voluntary contributions and donations, and other sources, in accordance with Russia’s legislation.

The fund’s goals include support of public diplomacy, promotion of participation by Russia’s NGOs in international cooperation, and active involvement of civil society institutions in foreign policy.

The Fund bears the name of Alexander Gorchakov (1798-1883), one of the most prominent and well-known Russian diplomats, who served as Russia’s minister of foreign affairs between 1856 and 1882.

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The Council is being created with participation by public, scientific, educational, and other interested organisations. Its founders are Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education and Science.

The main goals of this non-profit partnership are to promote international research in Russia, to improve training for specialists in foreign policy and regional studies, and to organise interaction between Russian scientific organisations and foreign think tanks on matters in international relations.

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Minister Shoigu briefed President Medvedev on the results of tests on mass attendance facilities as for their compliance with fire safety regulations.

Beginning of Meeting with Minister of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief Sergei Shoigu

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President Medvedev noted the dynamic development of judicial legislation and expressed hope that the measures for its modernisation will enhance the independence of judges and increase the transparency of the judicial system. In addition, the President noted the significance of improving the judicial system for modernising Russia’s economy and improving investment climate in the country.

During the meeting, the President also announced the signing of the Federal Law on ratifying Protocol 14 to the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

The meeting was attended by Constitutional Court Chairman Valery Zorkin, Supreme Court Chairman Vyacheslav Lebedev, Supreme Arbitration Court Chairman Anton Ivanov, Prosecutor General Yury Chaika, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Naryshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Vladislav Surkov, and Deputy Head of the Presidential State Legal Directorate Sergei Komissarov.

Opening Remarks at Meeting on Improving the Judicial System

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The Protocol was signed by the Russian Federation in Strasbourg on May 4, 2006.

The Protocol is designed to improve the efficiency of the European Court of Human Rights in light of the sharp increase in the number of complaints following new countries joining the Council of Europe.

Changes envisaged by the Protocol include improving the mechanism for filtering out obviously unacceptable complaints, introducing additional criteria for the admissibility of complaints, increasing the terms of office of the judges of the European Court of Human Rights, and creating the legal framework for having the European Union join the Convention on Human Rights.

Certain provisions of the Protocol caused serious concern to the Russian party and became an obstacle to its ratification in 2006.

Currently the feasibility of ratifying the Protocol is based on a compromise worked out with the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on the understanding of certain provisions of the Protocol, that takes into account Russia’s position and is included as clarificatory comments in the text of the Federal Law.

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Mr Lebedev briefed the President on the progress in preparing events provided for by the plan for Russia’s CIS chairmanship in 2010.

Beginning of Meeting with Executive Secretary of Commonwealth of Independent States Sergei Lebedev

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At Mr Medvedev’s instruction, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Vladislav Surkov sent the relevant notice to the Board of the Supreme Council of the United Russia political party.

President Medvedev will submit to the Legislative Assembly of Krasnoyarsk Territory the candidacy for the post of governor chosen by him from among the persons nominated by the Board of the Supreme Council of the United Russia political party.

Candidates for the governor’s office are acting Governor of Krasnoyarsk Territory Edkham Akbulatov, General Director of Kalmar Company Lev Kuznetsov, and Deputy Minister of Finance Alexander Novak.

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In his opening remarks at the meeting, the President noted that the Interior Ministry’s work has come in for a lot of public scrutiny of late and there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that it is in need of serious reform.

Mr Medvedev recalled that on December 24, 2009, he signed an executive order on measures to improve the ministry’s work. The order outlines measures concerning the ministry’s powers and jurisdiction, and the status of its officers, the system of material incentives for Interior Ministry staff, questions of liability and responsibility, and organisational issues – in other words, practically all aspects of the ministry’s operation.

The President also raised the issue of arms classified as less-lethal weapons that have been used in a number of recent crimes, and instructed the ministry to draw up rules governing these weapons’ sale and circulation, making amendments to the laws on arms sale and possession if need be.

Interior Minister Rashid Nurgaliyev presented the President with proposals on improving the ministry’s performance. Mr Medvedev gave a number of instructions on drafting legal acts and regulations on these matters.

Taking part in the meeting were Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Naryshkin, Secretary of the Security Council Nikolai Patrushev, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Alexei Gromov, Presidential Aide Oleg Markov, Presidential Aide and Head of the Presidential Control Directorate Konstantin Chuichenko, Interior Minister Rashid Nurgaliyev, Deputy Secretary of the Security Council Valentin Sobolev, and Deputy Head of the Presidential State Legal Directorate Sergei Komissarov.

Opening Remarks at Meeting on Reforming the Interior Ministry

Signing an executive order on measures to improve the work of the internal affairs agencies of the Russian Federation, December 24, 2009

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Mr Mutko and Mr Tyagachev briefed the President on the Russian national team’s preparations for the Olympic Games in Vancouver.

Mr Medvedev wished the Russian athletes success in the Winter Olympics.

Beginning of Meeting with Minister of Sport, Tourism, and Youth Policy Vitaly Mutko and President of Russian Olympic Committee Leonid Tyagachev

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The conversation took place via videoconference.

The subjects of discussion included the employment situation, measures to reduce wage arrears, and the investment climate in the region. 

The Governor briefed Mr Medvedev on the operation of the recently opened Presidential Reception Office in Chelyabinsk, to which local people can come with their requests and complaints. The President suggested that in cases where the issues raised by citizens lie outside the regional authorities' powers, the matters in question can be referred to the Presidential Central Reception Office in Moscow.

During the videoconference, Mr Medvedev read on the screen Mr Sumin’s appeal regarding cleanup efforts following the 1957 accident at the Mayak nuclear facility, which caused radioactive contamination of a large area of land, resulting in problems that have still not been entirely resolved to this day. Upon learning that a draft law on social provisions for those affected by the accident has already been prepared but not yet examined by the Government or submitted to the State Duma, President Medvedev said he will instruct the Government to get the process moving.

The Mayak production enterprise is part of ROSATOM State Atomic Energy Corporation with priority operations in supplies under defence industry orders, regenerating irradiated nuclear reactor fuel, and manufacturing radioactive isotopes.

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The congratulatory message reads, in part:

“Cooperation between Russia and Indonesia, built on the traditions of friendship and mutual understanding that we have forged over these decades, is showing rapid development and confident growth in all areas.

We are actively expanding our ties in trade, economy, science, technology, and culture. The Russian-Indonesian summits in Moscow in 2006 and Jakarta in 2007 gave a substantial boost to our multifaceted bilateral partnership.”

The message also notes that coordinating efforts on the international stage, including as part of the Asia-Pacific integration process, has become an important aspect of Russian-Indonesian relations and makes it possible to timely respond to today’s threats and challenges.

Mr Medvedev said he is confident that “the rich experience we have built up over these years will continue to provide a solid foundation for cooperation between our countries for the good of our peoples and in the interests of international stability and security”.

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In his speech at the meeting the President stated that investment activity is a key factor in the modernisation of Russia's economy.

Russia's economy is open for investment, President Medvedev noted. In particular, a full-value tax system has been set up, tax rates are low, the foreign exchange regulations have been liberalised, and clear rules governing the access of foreign investors to strategic industries have been laid out. Nevertheless, Mr Medvedev remarked, Russia still ranks 120th among 183 countries in terms of favourable business climate.

Dmitry Medvedev cited the most pressing task as overcoming elements that have a negative impact on the investment climate, including the poor quality of federal and local government, poor law enforcement, corruption and economic crime, excessive administrative, technical and information barriers, and a high level of monopolization.

Noting that the post-crisis global economic recovery will create favourable conditions for the growth of foreign investment, Mr Medvedev outlined a set of measures that will increase investment activity and improve the investment climate in Russia.

Furthermore, Mr Medvedev emphasised that the large national companies which received government subsidies during the crisis must demonstrate investment into the modernisation of Russia's economy.

The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Prosecutor General Yury Chaika, Chief of Staff of Presidential Executive Office Sergei Naryshkin, First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, deputy prime ministers Dmitry Kozak and Sergei Sobyanin, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin, Presidential Aide Arkady Dvorkovich, Economic Development Minister Elvira Nabiullina, Interior Minister Rashid Nurgaliyev, Central Bank Chairman Sergei Ignatyev, Head of the Federal Antimonopoly Service Igor Artemyev, Head of the Federal Customs Service Andrei Belyaninov, Head of the Federal Tax Service Mikhail Mokretsov, Head of the Federal Service for the Protection of Consumer Rights and Human Welfare Gennady Onishchenko, Chairman of Russian state corporation Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs (Vnesheconombank) Vladimir Dmitriyev.

Opening Remarks at Meeting on Investment Climate in Russia

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The social and economic situation in the country was the subject of discussion.

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Improving legislation relating to family and child protection as well as developing of a system of commissioners for children's rights in the regions were the subjects discussed at the meeting.

Dmitry Medvedev stressed that the system should be free from bureaucracy and operate independently of regional leadership.

The President demanded a thorough investigation of the causes of the incident that took place in a boarding school in Izhevsk.

Beginning of Meeting with Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights Pavel Astakhov

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The greeting reads, in part:

"The end of the Cold War and a climate of trust and partnership among leading global powers have pointed the way to a joint search for new forms of international security and stability. Today our common objective is to do everything possible to ensure that deadly weapons of mass destruction become a relic of the past.

Russia is making a significant contribution to the process of nuclear disarmament. The implementation of our commitments provided in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is one of our foreign policy priorities. This is a comprehensive long-term strategy aimed at a balanced and phased reduction of nuclear arsenals that will guarantee equal security for all.

Our country has chosen to proceed with nuclear disarmament via international legislation. Russia is actively cooperating with the United States in preparing a new, legally binding agreement to replace the Treaty on the Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (START). We intend to do everything necessary to guarantee the success of these talks and agree on a substantive and viable instrument that will give an additional impetus to the disarmament process.”

I am sure that a productive dialogue and joint efforts will help achieve the most important international goal, namely a secure and stable future of our planet."

Global Zero was launched in Paris in December 2008 by more than 100 political, civic, and military leaders from around the world. They announced a plan for the phased, verified elimination of nuclear weapons, starting with deep reductions in the US and Russian arsenals, to be followed by multilateral negotiations among all nuclear powers for an agreement to eliminate all nuclear weapons thus achieving "global zero".

The Global Zero Summit is taking place in Paris on February 2-4, 2010.

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The prospects for Russia's relations with Latin America and the Caribbean were the subjects of discussion.

Mr Jagdeo is in Russia on a private visit timed to coincide with celebrations marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia. In 1990 the current President of Guyana graduated from the University's department of economics and law with a master's degree in economics.

Beginning of Meeting with President of Guyana Bharrat Jagdeo

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The telegram reads, in part:

“As a scientist whose name is recognized around the world, you have done a great deal for the development of nuclear energy. Your trailblazing works have laid the foundation for promising directions in research, including in information, nano-, and biotechnology.

Your active efforts to strengthen civil society institutions deserve enormous respect, same as your particular attention toward educating talented young people, who represent the future of Russian science.”

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The Convention was signed in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) by ten members of the Commonwealth of Independent States to further the development of international road transport.

The ratification of the Convention will ensure additional social guarantees for passengers, improve the security of international transport, and help promote the further development of intergovernmental relations.

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