Mr Putin and Mr Kasyanov discussed the national socio-economic situation and issues related to credit and monetary policy. Mr Kasyanov told the acting President that the January 2000 tax-collection targets had been exceeded. He said that the 61 billion roubles in proceeds would eliminate the need to take out Central Bank loans to fund current federal budget expenses.
Mr Putin and Mr Kasyanov also discussed the repayment of Ukrainian debts owed to Russia for fuel and energy supplies. Acting on Mr Putin’s instructions, Mr Kasyanov will soon discuss this issue with the Ukrainian prime minister on the phone and will pay a working visit to Kiev sometime in the last 10 days of February.