The Russian President noted the importance of maintaining current rates of economic cooperation with the Federal Republic of Germany in the area of machine construction, and on energy dialogue, including the North European gas pipeline.
The President charged the Minister for Trade and Economic Development, German Gref, with checking the progress of realisation of joint projects between Russia and Germany.
The Minister also talked about the progress of passing laws by parliament on concessions and special economic zones. These laws will be examined by the State Duma and the Federation Council in July.
Mr Putin announced the intention to hold a meeting with members of the Security Council on immigration issues. In his turn, Interior Minister Rashid Nurgaliev reported the results of his meeting with Kazakhstan colleagues dedicated to these issues.
The Interior Ministry also reported on cooperation between Russian and Kazakhstan border law-enforcement bodies in combating crime. In the first five months of 2005, 1,209 kilograms of drugs were confiscated in the border region as part of joint efforts, including 120 kilograms of heroine. 9,111 weapons were confiscated, 31 explosive devices were defused and 15 kilograms of explosives were confiscated.