VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:
Vladimir Putin: I’m sorry we have to meet on such a sad, I would even say, tragic occasion. What happened is a complete surprise for us. It is a big loss for Abkhazia and its people and for the Russian people because Sergei Bagapsh did much for Abkhazia’s development as a self-sufficient, independent state. He did a lot for the Abkhazian people and for the development of Russian-Abkhazian relations. His name is directly linked with Abkhazia’s independence and consolidation and with its first steps as an independent state.
We are working together on plans to restore Abkhazia’s economy and social capability. Our common duty is to continue these efforts and everything else that has been started in the past few years.
I’m confident that we’ll do all this and travel together along this road of economic recovery and the restoration of the infrastructure and the social sphere. I’m convinced the Abkhazian people will feel safe. They can be sure that Russia, as a close ally and loyal friend, will stand with them and will help them overcome past problems. We will help Abkhazia get on its feet. Everything that I know makes us confident that we’ll carry out our joint plans.
I’d like to express once again my condolences to the family and friends of Sergei Bagapsh and to all Abkhazian people.
Alexander Ankvab: Mr Putin, we appreciate you being with us at this difficult hour. On behalf of the Abkhazian people we would like to thank Russian leadership for organising the ceremony of paying last respects to Sergei Bagapsh in Moscow. We are very touched by your attitude toward our late president and the Abkhazian people. I would like to convey my gratitude to President Dmitry Medvedev and to you personally once again for being here. Thank you.
