MOSCOW, April 13 (RIA Novosti) - Russia will use its chairmanship of the G8 to focus on energy security, education and the fight against infectious diseases, the country's president said Thursday.
"We intend to use our G8 chairmanship to solve the 21st century's key problems," Vladimir Putin said at a ceremony to accredit new ambassadors to Russia. "You know about our priorities. They are energy security, education and the fight against infectious diseases."
Russia holds the rotating chair of the club of the world's leading industrialized nations, and will host the group's annual summit in St. Petersburg in July.
Putin said Russia advocates international cooperation toward solving the issues, and said this would boost the global economy and improve the lives of millions around the world.
He said Russia is looking forward to productive dialog and broad international cooperation.
"Russia is a consistent follower of equal partnership and respect of mutual interests, and with these positions, based on international law, we look forward to a securer and better world," Putin said.