Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Monday called his tandem with President Dmitry Medvedev an "effective instrument" but again refused to comment on his plans for 2012 election.
Putin said he and Medvedev share common positions on Russia's development and international affairs.
"But of course we are different people and may have different tastes," he added. He was speaking during his visit to the Seliger youth camp, in the country's Tver Region,
"What is very important is... that we hear each other, listen to each other and make balanced decisions," Putin said.
However, he gave no direct answer to the questions on his plans to run for presidency in 2012.
"The future is around the corner. Some time will pass and we will discuss what to do next," Putin said.
Under the Russian Constitution, Putin, who served two presidential terms in 2000-2008, will become eligible to run for a new presidential term in 2012. Neither he nor Medvedev has ruled out entering the race.
Medvedev earlier dismissed speculation on a growing rivalry between himself and Putin, saying that overcoming the differences of opinion between them has only strengthened their relationship.
