MOSCOW, July 6 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's first deputy prime minister earned Thursday a mention from President Vladimir Putin for his assistance in preparing the state-of-the-nation address to parliament.
Dmitry Medvedev is thought to be a possible successor to Putin when the president's second term expires in 2008.
"The letter of gratitude has been signed," Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov told a government meeting Thursday. "Dmitry Anatolyevich played a proactive role in drafting the address and the results of his work can already be felt."
In his state-of-the-nation address on May 10, Putin outlined guidelines for the country's foreign and domestic policy, particularly focusing on Russia's demographic crisis, defense spending and corruption.
