Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sent his first Twitter "tweet" message on Wednesday, then tried out video conferencing at Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO.O) as he made a quick tour of U.S. technology hub Silicon Valley, which he sees as a possible model for Russia to follow.

Russia's economy is still stuck in its dependence on energy, sending natural gas to Europe and petroleum to the world. The economy boomed for a decade, raising Russian confidence, but a 7.9 percent economic contraction last year prompted Medvedev to look for new industry engines.

Russia's previous leaders have tried the same for years, without changing its reputation for bureaucracy and corruption, and Medvedev's own efforts to curb corruption have yet to bear fruit.

Medvedev's eyebrows arched in surprise at the nearly life-size video conferencing gear at Internet equipment maker Cisco. In jeans and an open-collared shirt, Medvedev, 44, was dressed in Silicon Valley casual style, though Cisco executives in suits surrounded him.

"This is amazing," Medvedev interjected in English.

Cisco Chief Executive John Chambers told Reuters after the tour that Medvedev was candid and Cisco was ready to take "good business risks". Cisco will plow $1 billion over the next decade into Russia  Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sent his first Twitter "tweet" message on Wednesday, then tried out video conferencing at Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO.O) as he made a quick tour of U.S. technology hub Silicon Valley, which he sees as a possible model for Russia to follow.

Russia's economy is still stuck in its dependence on energy, sending natural gas to Europe and petroleum to the world. The economy boomed for a decade, raising Russian confidence, but a 7.9 percent economic contraction last year prompted Medvedev to look for new industry engines.

Russia's previous leaders have tried the same for years, without changing its reputation for bureaucracy and corruption, and Medvedev's own efforts to curb corruption have yet to bear fruit.

Medvedev's eyebrows arched in surprise at the nearly life-size video conferencing gear at Internet equipment maker Cisco. In jeans and an open-collared shirt, Medvedev, 44, was dressed in Silicon Valley casual style, though Cisco executives in suits surrounded him.

"This is amazing," Medvedev interjected in English.