However, given the fact that the State has a controlling stake in the company [Rosneft], it might not be the best course of action when one company under State control buys another one fully owned by the State. This is one point.

Political activities in Russia should be as transparent as possible. Financing political activities from abroad is something the state should keep an eye on.

Russia is opposed to the proliferation of mass destruction weapons, including nuclear weapons, and in this context we call upon our Iranian friends to abandon the uranium enrichment programme.

Absolute trust is something hard to achieve even in a family, and it is much harder to achieve on an international level.

We believe that we could do a great deal to neutralise regional conflicts. Also, for example, to continue joint activities in space, for peaceful civilian purposes.

I have a huge interest in Japan, which is well known, including its history and culture, and so it will be very interesting for me to see and learn more about Japan.

Russia needs a strong state power and must have it. But I am not calling for totalitarianism.