In a press statement made before the question and answer session began, Mr Putin spoke of Russia’s ever increasing contribution to global economic development. The President noted that the Russian economy has been growing at an average rate of around 7 percent a year over recent years and grew by 7.7 percent over the first four months of 2007. Mr Putin also noted the growing inflow of foreign capital into Russia and the growth of the country’s gold and currency reserves.
The President said that the G8 leaders discussed some aspects of the global economic situation that are coming in for close scrutiny from experts. These issues included the problem of disproportions between economically developed countries which are running a deficit, and countries with growing reserves, one of which is Russia.
Mr Putin then began answering journalists’ questions. In particular, he commented on the proposal made to the United States on joint use of the Gabala radar station in Azerbaijan.
Russian and foreign journalists also received answers to their questions on Russia’s view of the situation in Kosovo, upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections in Russia, democracy, Russia’s bilateral relations with some of the other G8 countries, and on other issues.