Vladimir Putin and President of Lebanon Michel Sleiman discussed opportunities for developing bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on issues currently on the international agenda.

The meetings will take place on January 23 in Moscow.

Vladimir Putin held a briefing session with permanent members of the Security Council. Topical issues of Russia’s socio-economic development were discussed. Also, the meeting participants exchanged views on current international problems focusing on specific regions.

Vladimir Putin held talks with Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina.

Mr Putin will meet on January 15 with Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, who will be in Moscow on an official visit.

Vladimir Putin sent his condolences to President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari following the barbarous terrorist attacks that claimed many lives.

Vladimir Putin congratulated Catholicos Patriarch Ilia II of All Georgia on the 35^th anniversary of his patriarchal service and on his 80^th birthday.

Vladimir Putin signed Federal Law On Amendments to Articles 25 and 256 of the Federal Law on the Exit from and Entry into the Russian Federation.

Vladimir Putin signed Federal Law On Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of Japan on Simplifying Visa Procedures for Citizens of the Russian Federation and Citizens of Japan.

Vladimir Putin had telephone conversations with President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and Viktor Yanukovych on their initiatives.

Vladimir Putin sent Christmas and New Year congratulations to foreign heads of state and government and executives of international organisations.

Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the permanent members of the Security Council. Topical issues of domestic agenda and major international problems were discussed. The meeting participants also congratulated each other on the New Year.

Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of Serbia Tomislav Nikolic on the Serbian side’s initiative.

Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe.

Vladimir Putin submitted to the State Duma for ratification the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Italian Republic on Railway Transit of Weapons, Military Equipment, Military Assets and Personnel via Russian Federation Territory in Connection with Participation by Armed Forces of the Italian Republic in Efforts to Stabilise and Rehabilitate the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, signed in Sochi on December 3, 2010.

Vladimir Putin sent his condolences to President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev following a plane crash near Shymkent that claimed many lives.

Vladimir Putin sent a message of congratulations to President of the Republic of Abkhazia Alexander Ankvab on his 60th birthday.

Vladimir Putin congratulated Shinzo Abe on his election as Prime Minister of Japan.