Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday that Russia has great opportunities in relations with China and India, since Asia and the Pacific are evolving into the most dynamic center of world economic development.

Putin made the remarks on Monday at a gathering of Russian diplomats.

Putin said Russia should also strengthen its leadership in the Commonwealth of Independent States, or CIS. He warned that the lack of an effective Russian policy in the CIS will inevitably encourage other more active states to fill this political space. He urged the diplomats to fully use Russia's influence on the CIS.

Putin also told the ambassadors that Russia's business ties with the United States should be developed. He called on the US side to show more interest in constructive and good relations with Russia, including business ties.