Russian PM speaks at All-Russian Student Forum

Russia will occupy its deserving place in the world only if it uses the advantages offered by the new economy and the force of knowledge, said Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov on Wednesday, reports the RIA Novosti correspondent. He was speaking at the All-Russian student forum. The Premier said that the merits of the Russian educational system have long been acknowledged by the world community. "It is a fundamental factor that promotes the growth of the Russian economy's competitiveness," stressed the Premier. Kasyanov noted that the situation in the country "has cardinally changed" over the past ten years and "many things no longer comply with the former concepts of life." The country's younger generation has changed, too, said the Premier. "You are society's most dynamic part that possesses a tremendous potential," said Kasyanov addressing the forum participants. The Premier said that it is easier for young people to become adapted to the changing conditions of life, they possess greater opportunities and greater freedom to choosing their road in life. Mikhail Kasyanov stressed that the sphere of education is one of the priorities in the government's work. Beginning with 1999 the outlays on education have been stably rising: in 2000 they went up by 52%, compared with the preceding year.

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