Putin: Only economic reforms, democratic changes can improve Russian image abroad

Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that Russia's image in the West can be improved by changing the structure of the Russian economy, imparting a more civilized nature to Russian business and consolidating the democracy.

The president thus answered when one of the participants in today's Kremlin processing industry conference pressed the necessity of forming Russia's favourable image in the West.

"There should be a constant public relations campaign but it is not the most important thing. What really matters is the updating of the Russian economy, business and democracy," said Putin.

In his opinion, "Russian partners will respond promptly." "The leopard cannot change his spots," joked the Russian president.