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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues.

Our meeting today is for a special reason. Today Mr Fradkov is handing over his duties to the new Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Mr Sergei Naryshkin.

First, I would like to thank Mr Fradkov for many years of productive service. He was appointed Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service in 2007, when he already had significant experience in public service, including as Prime Minister.

Under his leadership, the Service made several huge steps forward. Its structure was upgraded and expanded with new departments. The Service’s authority with our partners and allies has substantially increased.

The Foreign Intelligence Service responded with promptness and flexibility to changes in the international climate and provided active assistance in identifying and eliminating terrorist and other threats to national security.

I would like to note that in difficult situations, Mikhail Fradkov invariably displayed self-control and extraordinary intuition, wisdom and, when necessary, caution and determination.

Thank you again for your service to Russia. I wish you success in your future work.

I would like to announce that Mr Fradkov has been awarded the Order of St George IV degree.

Colleagues,

I would like to introduce the new Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Sergei Naryshkin.

You all know that Mr Naryshkin proved his competence both in intelligence and in politics. To a certain extent, Mr Naryshkin is coming home. For many years, he worked in the Government and headed the Executive Office and, as you know, his most recent post was State Duma Speaker. Mr Naryshkin has always demonstrated professionalism, reliability and a serious approach to any task.

I hope that Mr Naryshkin will use all his expertise and general knowledge to be efficient and bring the Service’s operation to a higher level.

The current situation in the world makes new demands on the quality of foreign intelligence. We must be able to stay ahead, use unconventional and unconventional solutions.

As before, it is important to reveal and analyse the entire scope of external threats to our country, determine the main strategic trends in the development of the international situation, contribute to Russia’s stronger economic, technological and defence potential.

Naturally, the security of our nationals abroad must remain under special control, particularly, in the Middle East, Africa and some Central Asian countries.

I believe that Sergei Naryshkin, who is now taking over the torch of leadership at the Foreign Intelligence Service, will do his best, use all his knowledge and experience to find a successful solution to the tasks at hand.

I wish the new Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service and its staff success in the important work of protecting the security and interests of the Fatherland.

Thank you.