Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with President of the Republic of Abkhazia, Sergei Bagapsh
Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:
Vladimir Putin: Mr Bagapsh, I am very glad to see you here, in Sochi.
Now that the relevant documents have been signed and Russia has recognised Abkhazia's independence, we have more opportunities to organise cooperation in all areas, including on the social and economic development of Abkhazia, and organising support for those plans that you and your Government are making for the republic's development. I am very glad to have this opportunity to meet and talk with you about these issues today.
Sergei Bagapsh: Thank you very much, Mr Putin.
I would like once again to thank the Russian Government for all that has been done. You were quite right when you observed that the main task before us today is the implementation of those economic plans that we have outlined. We are able to do this. And the help that Russia has offered will, believe me, be well focussed. We accept it with gratitude. We will try to do everything that is in our power, and to raise the republic's economic development to a high level.
