Putin becomes PM in leadership 'tandem'

Vladimir Putin will retain a "key role" in Russia for years as prime minister, new President Dmitry Medvedev said Thursday, as the two men opened an unprecedented era of dual rule.

Putin was confirmed as prime minister by 392 of the 448 deputies at an extraordinary session of the lower house of parliament, the State Duma, one day after Medvedev was inaugurated at a lavish Kremlin ceremony.

"I think no one has any doubt that our tandem, our cooperation, will only continue to strengthen," Medvedev said ahead of the vote.