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President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev: Dear Colleagues!

Today I would like to introduce you to the new Security Council Secretary, Nikolai Platonovich Patrushev.

You know Nikolai Platonovich well, and you know his track record. He has worked for many years in Russia’s security agencies, served as head of the Federal Security Service and, of course, has recently been a permanent member of the Russian Security Council. He is well aware of the work the Security Council does and the tasks that lie ahead of him. I am confident that he can meet this challenge.

The Russian Security Council has very extensive powers and occupies a position that is in many ways unique. In particular, it is involved in articulating the country’s strategic policies. It plays a crucial role in situations that require both coordination between the various federal structures and ministries as well as a profound in-depth analysis.

I hope that the Security Council of the Russian Federation will continue to make comprehensive strategic decisions on all matters within its competence.

Obviously, much depends on how the staff of Security Council operates. I expect you to prepare informed and knowledgeable decisions in the fields of science and technology, Russia’s defense potential, as well as with regards to developing the economy’s leading industries as well as a number of major programmes, such as environmental programmes.

I think it would be appropriate to pay very serious attention to strengthening the Armed Forces and the law enforcement agencies, and to improving the fight against crime, corruption, terrorism and extremism.

One important aspect of the Security Council’s activity is international cooperation. It is also one of the most important things that the Security Council and its structures engage in. And in this respect we need to fully take into account the responsibility that the Russian Federation bears in promoting global stability. This is perhaps our most important task in the international arena.

In conclusion I would like to sincerely wish Nikolai Platonovich success. I hope that the Security Council structures will be able to comprehensively and efficiently complete all the tasks I enumerated.