Moscow, 9 March 2004 (RFE/RL) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin today named Russia's United Nations envoy Sergei Lavrov as Russia's new foreign minister.
Lavrov replaces Igor Ivanov, who has been appointed secretary of the presidential Security Council.
Today's announcement was part of a cabinet reshuffle announced by the Kremlin. The Kremlin also said it is cutting the number of its ministries to 17 from 30.
Finance Minister Aleksei Kudrin and Economic Development and Trade Minister German Gref stayed in their jobs while Viktor Khristenko, acting prime minister, was made energy minister with the additional portfolios of construction, industry, and nuclear power.
Today's announcement was part of a cabinet reshuffle announced by the Kremlin. The Kremlin also said it is cutting the number of its ministries to 17 from 30.
Finance Minister Aleksei Kudrin and Economic Development and Trade Minister German Gref stayed in their jobs while Viktor Khristenko, acting prime minister, was made energy minister with the additional portfolios of construction, industry, and nuclear power.