The president said: "This may come as a surprise, but Sergei Kiriyenko has not been brought into the government to become a nuclear expert. That would not be enough."
According to the president, Russia should remain a leading nuclear power, but changes need to be made in the industry.
Putin said Kiriyenko, therefore, would have to focus on the organization of the industry.
Speaking to reporters November 17, Kiriyenko, who was appointed head of the agency last week after serving as presidential envoy to the Volga Federal District, said: "The industry has been appointed the tasks of improving Russia's defense capability and security, and ensuring non-proliferation arrangements and the country's energy security."
Given the importance these objectives, the agency will have to think twice before embarking on changes, Kiriyenko said.
He urged an increase in Russia's generating capacity and a faster growth of the economy in general.
