DHAKA: Russia’s prime minister Dmitry Medvedev has arrived in Crimea, the most senior Russian official to visit since it was annexed from Ukraine.

Medvedev announced that the region would become a special economic zone, with incentives for businesses.

The Russian government says it is creating a new ministry to deal with Crimea and Sevastopol.

Moscow’s annexation of Crimea earlier this month has sparked international condemnation.

Medvedev, leading a delegation of government ministers to the peninsula’s main city Simferopol, said that no-one in Crimea should lose anything in the accession to Russia, according to the Russian government’s Twitter feed.

Pensions and public sector salaries would be increased, it added.

The government also announced health insurance for Crimea residents and the introduction of Russian educational standards in schools.

BDST: 1737 HRS, MAR 31, 2014