BEIJING, October 13 (RIA Novosti) - Vladimir Putin says he is "energized" by the challenges of being Russia's prime minister, particularly working to overcome the economic crisis.

"Certainly, overcoming the consequences of the global financial crisis is a critical direction of our work," the prime minister said in an interview with Chinese media as part of his visit to Beijing.

"I am fond of solving such acute and difficult tasks. It energizes me," he said.

Putin met on Tuesday with his Chinese counterpart, Wen Jiabao, and is due on Wednesday to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao and take part in a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) heads of government.

Putin said in the interview his efforts currently focus on the problems of economic and social development, and improving infrastructure and innovation in Russia.

He also said that as head of state he actively participated in working out Russia's development strategy until 2020. "Now, when I am the head of the government, I have a unique opportunity to put this strategy into action, and I am very glad for this."

Putin said he was "quite satisfied" with his position and his duties.

"I think I manage with it [my work] well," he said, adding he could do even "more and better."