MOSCOW. June 1 (Interfax) - Russia's economy should be based on knowledge rather than raw materials in the future, presidential aide and G8 sherpa Igor Shuvalov said at a Moscow meeting of G8 education ministers on Thursday. "Although we have massive reserves of oil and gas, we think that our economy will be based on knowledge rather than natural resources in the future," he said.

Vocational training will be an item on the agenda of the G8 St. Petersburg summit this July, alongside energy security and measures to fight infectious diseases, Shuvalov said.

The ministerial meeting is a major step in preparations for the summit, Shuvalov said. The ministers will make recommendations for the G8 leaders, he said.

The two-day forum will focus on innovative education for the 21st century.