He emphasised the importance of the economically buoyant Asian-Pacific region as critical to the development of Russia as Western markets stall.

New enterprise will work with rough diamonds from Alrosa, which holds the world's largest reserves in Yakutia.

A $7.4 billion cash injection for Trans-Siberian and Baikal-Amur rail lines confirmed by president.

Putin backs proposal to give one hectare to each citizen or person willing to move to region in a bid to stimulate economy and boost population.

Scheme would allow epic journeys from London to the Japanese capital with major international crossing between Sakhalin and Hokkaido.

New cities and industries could be created from construction of high-speed railway and motorway routes spanning whole of country.

US, British, German and Australians not permitted ashore in the remote Bay of Providence.