MOSCOW, July 27. Strengthening national defense, addressing social issues, and supporting the economy are among the priorities of the federal budget for the upcoming three-year period, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting at the Kremlin with deputies of the outgoing eighth convocation of the State Duma (lower house of the parliament). "I am confident that, in drafting the budget for the upcoming three-year period, the priorities, alongside strengthening national defense, will include addressing pressing social issues and simultaneously supporting key economic sectors, leading domestic companies, small and medium-sized businesses, and the labor market where the unemployment rate, as you know, has fallen to a historic low," he said. Government institutions, including members of parliament, do not lose sight of addressing key issues related to citizens’ well-being, Putin stressed. And in this regard, we have much to be proud of," he noted.