Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:

Vladimir Putin: Mr Minnikhanov, we have spent a whole day talking about various aspects of life in the republic. What would you like to focus on right now as we sit here? In general I know that last year's results are quite good so we do not have to return to this now. The results are generally good in Tatarstan. There are problems as well, although Tatarstan is one of the leading regions in many respects. This is perfectly clear, but we are both well aware that there are more problems than there are achievements. There are problems in healthcare and with housing and utilities, there are problems with essential supplies in many villages. However, nothing is standing still, it's all developing quickly. What would you like to focus on?

Rustam Minnikhanov: Mr Putin, this is absolutely true. I reported to you on our growth rates and economic development. Of course, it is important that we develop high-tech and competitive production. We believe that for us, this exists in the form of KAMAZ, the special economic zone and our petrochemical industry. We are keeping a close eye on them. Further development of the Kama industrial cluster will give us an opportunity to make more money and create new jobs. Our top social projects are of course housing and major renovation. This is very important. Every year thousands of apartment buildings are renovated. The programme is being implemented. Schools are being renovated.

Vladimir Putin: How many schools have not been renovated in a long time?

Rustam Minnikhanov: There are 787 schools that have not been renovated for 30 years and around 800 schools for children with special needs. Over the last three years we… It is a large programme but it must continue. We have done a lot for teachers. There is an "online school" system with Wi-Fi access and laptops for teachers. There are well-maintained schools and some of them have been serviced. Therefore, our task is to fix up our schools. Today I mentioned priority categories, specifically schools in villages. At the same time, we have done a lot for high-tech medicine and somehow forgot about such priority categories as rural medical centres and outpatient clinics. We will be dealing with them this year and I am sure we would fulfill the task even better if there is some federal funding.

Vladimir Putin: You will. Rustam, how much does the republic receive for purposes of modernisation?

Rustam Minnikhanov: Around nine.

Vladimir Putin: Around nine billion?

Rustam Minnikhanov: Yes.

Vladimir Putin: Part of this money must be used for rural medical centres…

Rustam Minnikhanov: We will use it, starting this year, and every year…

Vladimir Putin: What percentage did you spend of what was offered last year?

Rustam Minnikhanov: Around 70% but it was only… When it comes to renovation and construction, we are staying on schedule. Prices for some of the items were unreasonably high and we had to… The facilities will be completed by September. Work is underway on everything that needs to be renovated and installed, and it will be completed by September. Afterwards we will come for the reward that you mentioned today.

Vladimir Putin: Good. Will you spend this reward on renovating an additional rural health centre?

Rustam Minnikhanov: Definitely. This is another type of support. We have no reason to complain. We are involved in many programmes, including the federal fund for housing and utilities, the Rural Roads programme. Construction of technology parks…

Vladimir Putin: You did good work on establishing and maintaining single-industry cities.

Rustam Minnikhanov: Yes, single-industry cities are a source of great support. There are new productions, new jobs. We can feel it.

Vladimir Putin: Good. Now let's have a look at some documents.

* * *

(former president Mintimer Shaimiyev joins the conversation)

Mintimer Shaimiyev: Good afternoon.

Vladimir Putin: Hello. How are you?

Mintimer Shaimiyev: I'm feeling much better. We have been listening to the meeting that you just held. May God give you the patience and stamina..

Vladimir Putin: I have enough.

Mintimer Shaimiyev: And health. This is such hard work.

Vladimir Putin: Rustam and I have plenty of patience.

Mr Shaimiyev, under my current authority, I would like to present you with a state decoration, the Medal of Stolypin, not just for your role as president of Tatarstan but for working so hard to develop the republic and its major industries. I remember how much time we spent on discussing the development both of industries and particular enterprises. Rustam and I visited KAMAZ today but it was you who introduced me to KAMAZ and its problems when it was in a rather difficult situation. I think it was in 1999 when you came to me to ask for support in repaying loans because the plant was going through difficult times and there was a fire…

But I mentioned KAMAZ because your approach toward every important enterprise of the republic, every particular enterprise and every particular team was as conscientious as your attitude toward KAMAZ.

Mintimer Shaimiyev: It is our economy.

Vladimir Putin: You were very focused in your work, to say nothing about the social sphere. Kazan totally transformed and changed for the better.

Mintimer Shaimiyev: Not without your contribution.

Vladimir Putin: I only helped a little.

Mintimer Shaimiyev: More than a little.

Vladimir Putin: I recall when we examined the houses that were so run-down that they were on the brink of collapse.

Mintimer Shaimiyev: Most importantly, you agreed to become head of the commission for Kazan’s 1000th anniversary celebration.

Vladimir Putin: Chairing a commission is easy.

Mintimer Shaimiyev: No. There is so much that has been done. I'm talking about KAMAZ. In 2000, you took me to Japan with you with a special agenda to talk about loans.

Vladimir Putin: I remember. But we are not presenting an award to me, we are presenting it to you. Thank you very much. I would also like to thank you for your successor; he is pleasant to work with, and a knowledgeable man.