The favourite to become Russia's next president Dmitry Medvedev said today that freedom, private property and an independent judiciary would be central to his administration.
In a speech setting out his programme at an economic forum in Siberia, Mr Medvedev, who has been endorsed by outgoing President Vladimir Putin, also called for tax reform to support economic growth.
Speaking later to reporters, he said Russia and the United States share common values and have no choice but to co-operate with each other. His remarks contrasted with the forthright rhetoric Mr Putin often directs towards Washington.
Mr Medvedev, a first deputy prime minister, said: "We're talking about freedom in all its forms - personal freedom, economic freedom, and in the end, the freedom of self expression."
An opinion poll ahead of elections on March 2nd shows the 42-year-old with 62 percent support. Mr Putin, who enjoys huge popularity, is crucial to Mr Medvedev's election, and he is expected to appoint the President to the post of prime minister.
Commentators believe this to be a plan to preserve Mr Putin's all-powerful hold on Russian politics, while overcoming the constitutional bar to him becoming president for a third successive term.
However, Mr Mevedev's speech contrasts with of Mr Putin's policies. Critics of the administration accuse it of flouting property rights by effectively renationalising private firms, especially in the oil sector. But Mr Medvedev said private property rights were "one of the foundations of the government's policies".
He also promised a review of the tax system to make it more competitive with other countries and said duties on energy exports should be cut to allow oil firms invest in new facilities.
Energy exporters will in turn need to pledge to switch to the rouble in their dealings to help it become one of the world's top currencies, he said.
"Today the global economy is going through uneasy times. People are reviewing the roles of key reserve currencies. And we must take advantage of it... The rouble will de facto become one of the regional reserve currencies," he said.
Russia's banking system, which experienced a liquidity crisis last year in step with global markets, can also count on support from the National Wealth Fund and the pension fund.