Dmitry Medvedev noted that California is one of the USA’s most economically advanced states and stressed Russia’s interest in promoting active contacts between Russian businesses and Silicon Valley companies to support Russia’s plans to build an innovation centre in Skolkovo.

Foreign economic policy and its role in the country's technological modernisation and innovative development were discussed at the meeting of the Commission, which took place on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Dmitry Medvedev presented the awards to Russian scientist and academician Alexander Leontyev, and to Ukrainian scientist Boris Paton, who is a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and president of the International Association of Academies of Sciences.

In his remarks, the President analysed the economic situation in Russia and the world and outlined Russia’s economic modernisation plans.

Dmitry Medvedev sent his greetings to delegates of the Energetics in Global World International Scientific and Technical Congress.

On Russia Day in the Kremlin's St George Hall, Dmitry Medvedev presented the 2009 Russian National Awards to the best representatives of the Russian art and science.

Dmitry Medvedev signed Executive Order On Awarding the 2009 Russian Federation National Awards in Science and Technology.

Dmitry Medvedev congratulated Academician Guri Marchuk on his 85^th birthday.

Mr Medvedev and Mr Kallasvuo discussed Nokia’s intention to participate in the development of Skolkovo Innovation Centre.

Dmitry Medvedev signed a federal law amending the Federal Law On the Russian Corporation of Nanotechnologies (RUSNANO) and the Federal Law On State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom).

The draft Federal Law On Skolkovo Innovation Centre is intended to provide the necessary conditions for the establishment and operation of the centre.

Dmitry Medvedev had a meeting with Chairman of Vnesheconombank (VEB) Vladimir Dmitriev.

The meeting particularly focused on ways to attract investment in high-tech projects and the prospects of Russia’s scientific and technological sector for development and commercialisation of new technology at Skolkovo.

The meeting with students at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kiev took place within the framework of the official visit of the President of Russia to Ukraine.

Viktor Vekselberg, the coordinator of the Russian part of the Skolkovo innovation centre project, briefed the President on the progress of the project implementation.