Government of Russia

"I think that Russia, with its vast territory, with many faiths, with a large number of nations, peoples, nationalities living in the country - you can't even count, someone says 160, someone 190, you know, needs strong presidential power," Putin said at a meeting with the public.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday submitted a package of constitutional amendments to parliament less than a week after announcing a surprise plan to reform the political system.

The bill, which can be found on the website of the lower house State Duma's website, proposes changes, including the transfer of some power outside the presidency.

The Russian Parliament approved the proposal by the President of Russia to appoint the current head of the Federal Taxation Service Mikhail Mishustin as prime minister.

383 deputies voted in favour, no one voted against and 41 deputies abstained.

He got appointed new Prime Minister after the "sudden" resignation of Dmitry Medvedev, which in turn followed a speech by the Russian President before state Duma deputies. Many international media report that behind this decision is Vladimir Putin's agenda, who aims to remain in power.

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev submitted his resignation hours after Putin discussed the constitutional amendments during his State-of-the-Nation Address. Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a constitutional overhaul to boost the powers of parliament and the Cabinet, a move signaling Putin's intention to carve out a new position for himself after his current term ends.

Greek and Russian foreign ministers Nikos Dendias and Sergei Lavrov agreed to establish an official and regular channel of communication between Athens and Moscow during talks in the Russian capital on Wednesday.

The meeting of Foreign Affairs Minister Nikos Dendias with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on 6 November was held in a very cordial atmosphere and turned a new page in Greek-Russian relations, on the basis of a sincere dialogue, Dendias said during joint statements to reporters with Lavrov after their meeting.

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias on Wednesday expressed hope that the meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov will mark the start of a new chapter of Greece's bilateral relations with Russia.

Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias is due in Moscow on Wednesday for an official visit which is aimed at boosting Greece's bilateral ties with Russia as the latter's geopolitical influence grows in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean.
Dendias and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov are expected on Wednesday to sign a three-year plan committing to bilateral talks on key issues.

Athens is keen to strengthen bilateral ties with Moscow, Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias has said, while expressing Greece's backing of initiatives aimed at improving strained ties between the European Union and Russia.