Putin comments in annual Q&A session

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Following are highlights of Russian President Vladimir Putin's comments in an annual question and answer session.

DMITRY MEDVEDEV, HIS CHOSEN SUCCESSOR

"There is a personal chemistry, I trust him...This is a person whom it is not shameful and not frightening to handover the leadership of the country."

"I have worked with Dmitry Anatolyevich (Medvedev) for more than 15 years and I would never have deigned to support a presidential candidate if he needed coddling and advice on how to behave.

"Dmitry Anatolyevich is a mature politician and I assure your that our relations will be quite harmonious. I will never step in for the head of state, I consider this harmful and counterproductive... Of course, I have the right to express my point of view."

WILL HE HANG A MEDVEDEV PORTRAIT IN HIS OFFICE?

"In order to establish my relationship with Dmitry Anatolyevich I won't need to hang his portrait on my wall if he is elected president.

"I see nothing disgraceful if government workers have a portrait of their leader in their offices."

PUTIN'S FUTURE ROLE