The President declared Russia was claiming not a special path of development but its proper place in the world and an attitude befitting its rich history, the creative potential of the people and the enormous territory of the country.
Russia is in conflict with neither the whole world or with individual countries for the first time in decades, if not centuries. But defending its position and winning in the fiercest competition around the world, especially on the world markets, is something that has to be learnt.
President Vladimir Putin laid special emphasis on creating conditions for the free economic development of the nation.
The President noted that the changes the Russian people had suffered would have to start paying off, to work for society and its citizens.