Russia publishes reform measures to combat national security challenges

Russia will implement a host of reform measures to fight against threats to the country's national security, including the dependence on exports of raw materials.

The move is meant to secure Russia's status of a leading world power.

That was learned from a document posted Thursday at the government's internet portal of legal information, with the signature of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Thursday's document, an updated version of the security strategy adopted in 2009, stressed that Russian economy still depended on exports of mineral resources and raw materials, which threatened the country's national security to some degree.

To reverse the trend, Russia will revamp state administration system in fuel and energy sectors to assure reliable and uninterrupted energy resources delivery to customers, and to enhance the country's technological sovereignty in the world energy market.

"The main strategic threats to national security in the economy are its low competitiveness, the persistent contingency of economic development on exports of raw materials and high vulnerability to fluctuations on foreign markets," the document said.

Russia would also strengthen its financial system by implementing social and economic policies, stabilize exchange rate of ruble, the Russian currency, revamp currency regulations and control, lower interest rates of banks, the document said.

Great efforts will be made to vigorously develop Russia's agricultural and related industries to ensure independence and security of food supplies.

Of external security threats faced by Russia were the expansion of NATO, military build-up and deployment in Russia's neighboring countries, attempts to undermine Russia's regime and to incite "color revolution" in the country.

Western countries have been imposing sanctions on Russia over its alleged involvement in the ongoing Ukraine crisis.

While admitting that restrictive economic measures imposed against Russia has rendered negative influence upon the country's economic security, the document said the international community still faces high risks of economic and financial crises because of structural imbalances and many other factors.

In the document, Russia reiterates its readiness for cooperation with the United States, the European Union and the NATO over a whole range of issues including the reduction of nuclear potentials. It also stresses the diplomatic principles of equality, independence and mutually beneficial cooperation and promises to keep the momentum of cooperation with countries of Commonwealth of Independent States.

Russia's national priority is securing the status of a leading world power, the document claimed, adding that "the use of military force to protect the national interests is only possible if all nonviolent measures turned out to be inefficient."

"The persisting bloc-based approach to solving international problems doesn't facilitate the reduction of all the spectrum of challenges and threats looming large today," the document noted. Endit