Democracy means the power of the people and the possibility of influencing the governing parties. Russia had had enough experience with a one-party-system - we will not go back there.

I was told that [Japan journalists] wanted to see my dog, Yume. You can see that she is in great shape.

Honestly, I do not even know whether this is on the visit itinerary, but if there is time, I would be pleased to go to Kodokan. For anyone interested in judo, who loves judo, Kodokan is a special place.

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

Presidents come and go, and even parties come to and away from power. But the main policy tack does not change.

Whoever is the first to cry "Stop the thief" is the one who is guilty.

I would like to draw attention to the fact that we have gone from pure trade [with China] in traditional goods [energy resources, such as hydrocarbons, oil and now natural gas, petrochemicals on the one hand and textiles and footwear on the other] to a whole new level of economic cooperation. For example, we are working together on space programmes. Moreover, we are developing and soon will begin the production of a heavy helicopter. We are now tracing the plan for the creation of a wide-body long-range aircraft.