Valdai Discussion Club

   The group, which meets regularly to discuss Russia’s role in international affairs, is comprised of the Russian Information Agency (RIA Novosti), the Council for Foreign and Defense Policy, Russia Profile and Russia in Global Affairs magazines, and The Moscow News. Attendees include pro-Kremlin intellectuals, as well as mild critics of the government. The club meets annually with the Russian president, and more recently with the prime minister as well. The organization was launched in 2005, and its meetings are well covered by domestic and international media.

   See also Foreign relations.