Moscow, May 3 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Outgoing Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin has said that working in the government was a real test for him. He compared it to an advanced training course.

Putin has occupied the prime ministerial post for four years since stepping down as president in 2008. He will be inaugurated for a new term as president May 7.

"Work in the government all these years, very hard years, was a true test for me, a special school. Sometimes I had the feeling I was attending an advanced training course," Putin said Wednesday in his farewell address to the current cabinet.

The prime minister thanked all cabinet members for their work together.

"I'd like to thank you all for your patience and tact in our joint work, despite difficulties and strained nerves," Putin said.

He praised all the cabinet members for doing their work as best as they could, though he also acknowledged some shortcomings.

"Every government member took professional and political responsibility for the situation in their sectors," Putin said.