MOSCOW. May 26 (Interfax) - President Dmitry Medvedev has sent greetings to the national forum on small and medium businesses as a foundation for Russia' socioeconomic development in the 21st century, the Kremlin reported on Monday.

"It is our common, priority task to guarantee stability and prosperity to private businesses, and provide a reliable shield to their legitimate rights," Medvedev said in a letter of greetings.

The authorities are taking new and important steps in this sphere, he said. "A program for small and medium businesses is being implemented, excessive bureaucratic barriers are being removed and a lending system is being developed," the Russian president said.