Prime Minister Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Sergei Bagapsh, the President of the Republic of Abkhazia
Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:
Sergei Bagapsh: Mr Prime Minister, you have seen how glad we are to receive you in Abkhazia. Welcome!
I'm not going to use that high-brow language; we all are very excited. I would just like to say a big thank you for coming here and bringing the Ministers with you. We are going to discuss our problems and achievements at today's meeting. What Russia has been doing is very important for us. Thank you very much!
We will fulfil all of our scheduled plans.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you for inviting me. I have seen how people in the street welcome our delegation. It reflects their attitude towards Russia. It's true that Russia has done a lot in recent years and especially this past year to support the people of Abkhazia and the formation of the independent state of Abkhazia.
I would like to add that it is impossible to raise a harvest once a seed has fallen on bad soil. The people of Abkhazia have done their best and showed their best qualities - courage, generosity, patience, persistence and talent - to make the recent year's developments a reality.
I would like to reiterate that all the plans we scheduled during our last meeting in Sochi are not going to be changed despite the odds, which we are going to discuss in detail today as well.
I have told the Abkhaz media today that the issues of ensuring security and social and economic development have been this year's priorities, as per our mutual plans.
The funds to be allocated in the next three years - including the issue we talked about - are confirmed in the budget. I hope that today's negotiations and consultations will outline the most promising and important areas for cooperation.
Sergei Bagapsh: Thank you, Mr Putin. Thank you.
