Meeting with Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, Ms Matviyenko.

I can see from the documents that you have approved over 300 federal laws during this session.

Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko Matviyenko ValentinaChairwoman of the Council of Federation : Yes, Mr President, over seven months. The session was rather intense and dynamic but we worked as usual and fulfilled all the plans concerning the national development goals you had approved, as well as other instructions of yours, including those issues at St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

It is important to note that, out of over 300 laws, more than one-third are social laws focused on social support. As prescribed, the senators drafted and submitted another 130 bills. Mr President, all these bills are responses to requests from regional officials and the public. Some of them have already passed.

Looking purely at statistics, the senators are currently among the three leading categories for the number of legislative initiatives submitted. This shows significant recent growth.

A crucial topic I wanted to report to you about, Mr President, is demography, which has been our priority. You labelled it as a strategic priority for everybody, which is true. I want to confirm, objectively and based on facts, that the measures adopted at your instruction are already bringing results. There are reasons to believe - and I always speak honestly - that the attitude to family, children and family values in society is certainly changing for the better.

To be continued.