Official website of the President of Russia

Dmitry Medvedev and President of Switzerland Micheline Calmy-Rey took part in the ceremony inaugurating the new Shchurovsky Cement Plant in Moscow Region. The plant is owned by Swiss Holcim Group, and around 500 million euros were invested in its modernisation.

The politicians discussed the outcomes of the completed session of the State Duma, issues of developing the political system and improving legislation.

Sergei Sobyanin and Boris Gromov presented to Dmitry Medvedev their proposals on changing the borders between Moscow and Moscow Region in order to better develop the capital and the surrounding region.

Subjects of discussion included implementing the proposals Mr Medvedev made in Magnitogorsk and at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, and current issues of concern to the business community.

Dmitry Medvedev declared July 12 a national day of mourning for the large number of victims in the sinking of the cruise ship Bulgaria. The President made the announcement at meeting on the disaster, which took place on the Volga River on July 10.

The role of the Federation of Jewish Communities in fighting nationalism and extremism was discussed.

The forum’s participants were interested in Dmitry Medvedev’s opinion on key issues in politics, innovative economy, the fight against crime, the environment and culture. The President also listened to their ideas and proposals, which the young people wanted to share with him.

The meeting, which took place in videoconference format, discussed the state of progress in implementing presidential instructions, including on renovating and developing the network of pre-school establishments, provision of land for large families, introducing a regional maternity capital in order to support young families, and establishing presidential cadet corps in all federal districts by 2014.

Cooperation between the state authorities and Islamic organisations on preventing extremism and terrorism, and addressing migrants’ adaptation problems were the main subjects on the agenda.

Dmitry Medvedev chaired a meeting of the Council for Civil Society Institutions and Human Rights in the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria.

The NATO-Russia Council meeting’s results were the main subject of discussion, including cooperation on missile defence, and achieving a settlement in the Libyan crisis.

Dmitry Medvedev and Jacob Zuma focused primarily on the situation in Libya and the search for peaceful means of settlement.

The President announced at the start of the meeting with members of the Government that he has signed the 2012–2014 Budget Address.

The possibility of nominating Valentina Matviyenko to the post of Federation Council Speaker was discussed.

Dmitry Medvedev congratulated graduates of military academies and universities on successfully completing their studies.

The meeting was one of the President’s regular meetings with the leaders of Russia’s different political parties.