Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:
Vladimir Putin: Hello. I have just reviewed the Belgorod Region’s statistical data and it looks good. What issues can you point to that need a more thorough consideration?
Yevgeny Savchenko: We are finishing the year quite well in many respects. There have been no problems so far regarding the upcoming winter season and we have all the necessary reserves required for the public’s needs. The situation is quite stable. If any social problems arise we address them immediately. There are no major concerns. But there are issues that require consideration at the federal level.
One of them involves the Stary Oskol Mineral Exploration College. Your humble servant graduated from this college. It is very important to me and to other people. It has grown to be quite a good academic school. Recently it was transferred to the supervision of the municipal – I mean regional – authorities. I talked to the Education Minister and the Rector of the Russian State Geological Prospecting University. They would be happy to open a branch of this university here. But they need your resolution.
Vladimir Putin: I agree. But we will discuss this a bit later. Can you do me a favour? Did you hear what the ambulance driver said?
Yevgeny Savchenko: Yes, the commission is dealing with him.
Vladimir Putin: No, there is no need to deal with him.
Yevgeny Savchenko: Not him. The problems that he…
Vladimir Putin: … the problems that he raised. You know, he is not making them up. It must be true. There are so many problems that seem too small to be noticed by a governor. But I ask you to respond promptly.
Yevgeny Savchenko: Definitely. I will address both cases.
Vladimir Putin: Agreed?
Yevgeny Savchenko: This does not seem difficult at all. We will resolve it.
Vladimir Putin: Agreed. I would like to repeat once more that I am aware of the state of the economy in the region. The Belgorod Region sets a good example for other regions. Many of your achievements are commendable. But as they say, there is still a lot to be done.
Yevgeny Savchenko: We are planning quite a bit with respect to the economy and to social issues. We have recently adopted a project management programme to organizing large and small projects including construction.
Vladimir Putin: We have heard about problems in some medical facilities.
Yevgeny Savchenko: Yes.
Vladimir Putin: Please do not forget about this.
Yevgeny Savchenko: Yes. There is a jurisdiction issue concerning villages and districts. But our resolution will resolve it completely.
Vladimir Putin: Good.
Yevgeny Savchenko: I promise.
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After the meeting with the governor, the prime minister visited an exhibition of local crafts. He received an embroidery depicting the spire of a local building, and a 15-litre oak pickle barrel.