May 23, 2008 - Makes first presidential trip abroad a visit to China, the purpose of which, is to increase ties between China and Russia.

August 26, 2008 - Recognizes the independence claims of two breakaway Georgian regions.

November 5, 2008 - In a national address, Medvedev announces the possible deployment of short-range missiles near Poland capable of striking NATO if the Obama administration presses ahead with a missile defense shield in Europe.

November 14, 2008 - Medvedev backs away from prior threat of possible short-range missiles.

November 27 - November 28, 2008 - Travels to Central America and meets with former Cuban President Fidel Castro and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

April 1, 2009 - Medvedev and U.S. President Barack Obama announce that their countries will soon begin negotiations on reducing their nuclear arsenals, according to a joint statement from the two leaders.

April 8, 2010 - Medvedev and Obama sign a new nuclear arms treaty (START), cutting nuclear warheads held by each country to 1,550.

August 24, 2011 - Meets with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in eastern Siberia to discuss nuclear issues, trade and a proposed natural gas pipeline.

September 24, 2011 - Calls on the ruling party, United Russia, to endorse Prime Minister Vladimir Putin for president in 2012. Putin in turn suggests that Medvedev should take over the role of prime minister if the party wins parliamentary elections in December.

May 6, 2012 - Putin is sworn in as president and one of his first acts is to name Medvedev prime minister.

May 8, 2012 - Medvedev is approved by the Duma to be the new prime minister.