The costs involved in crossing the customs border are sometimes unpredictable and discourage investors from opening new production facilities in Russia, Dmitry Medvedev said at a meeting on the country’s investment climate. 

A four-party meeting will take place on August 18, 2010, between President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev, President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon.

Dmitry Medvedev sent his congratulations to Indian President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the country’s Independence Day national holiday.

The last two years have proven that Russia’s decision to defend the peoples of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and recognise the two countries’ independence was the right one, and it has given these peoples the chance to develop without fear of genocide and extermination, Dmitry Medvedev said at talks with President of South Ossetia Eduard Kokoity.

The US President expressed his solidarity with Russia’s large-scale efforts of fire fighting and disaster relief, and his condolences following massive wildfires which caused loss of life and serious damage.

On behalf of all the Spanish people and on his own behalf the King of Spain expressed sincere sympathy following the natural disasters that have struck Russia, and his condolences with regard to the lives lost as a result of the forest fires.

The talks between the presidents of Russia and South Ossetia will be held in Sochi.

Dmitry Medvedev thanked his Ukrainian counterpart for Ukraine’s assistance in fighting fires in Russia.

Dmitry Medvedev sent his condolences to President of China Hu Jintao following the devastating mudslides there.

Dmitry Medvedev made a brief working visit to Abkhazia.

Dmitry Medvedev sent a telegram expressing condolences to President of India Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh following a flood in northern India.

Dmitry Medvedev and President of South Africa Jacob Zuma reviewed plans for joint trade and economic projects.

The President of Armenia expressed solidarity and sympathy to the friendly Russian people following the nation’s major natural disasters.

Angela Merkel expressed sincere sympathy and solidarity with the leadership and people of the Russian Federation following the major natural disasters that swept the country, as well as certainty that the measures taken by the President and the Government will allow taking the situation under firm control and launch emergency relief operations.

The President of Kazakhstan expressed solidarity with the people of Russia following the nation’s major natural disasters.

Dmitry Medvedev sent US President Barack Obama a message of congratulations on his birthday.