Russia's presidential hopeful outlines economic policies

MOSCOW, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Russia's presidential candidate Dmitry Medvedev Friday pledged to strengthen the rule of law, cut taxes and modernize infrastructure if he is elected.

Endorsed by incumbent President Vladimir Putin and supported by major parties in the parliament, Medvedev, 42, a first deputy prime minister, is widely expected to win the March 2 vote for the country's top job.

Medvedev said at an economic forum in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk that, if elected, he would promote the rule of law, cut taxes, strengthen the financial system and modernize the country's transport, energy and telecommunications infrastructures.

Building a powerful and independent financial system includes "making the ruble one of the regional reserve currencies," he was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying.

Medvedev also pledged to honor Russia's international commitment over oil and gas supplies.

"We will undoubtedly fulfill our international commitments concerning supplies of oil and gas. In doing so, we will not leave any of the needs of the country unsatisfied," he said.

Russia is a major supplier of energy to Europe, providing about a quarter of the gas and oil the European Union consumes.