Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:
Vladimir Putin: Mr Gromov, first, I would like to thank you for our joint work. We have known each other and have worked together for a long time. You are a distinguished person who has done a great deal for this country on a nationwide scale in various areas of your work, particularly in military service. I have always been struck – and I have told you this many times – by the fact that you have never been afraid to start new things, never mentioning your previous achievements, acting like an ordinary soldier. You have always made every effort to achieve maximum results. The Moscow Region is a vast constituent entity. It is one of Russia’s top regions in terms of industry, science and education. No doubt, it has many issues and problems that occur repeatedly – and I suppose it has been impossible to solve them all. But I can say with full confidence and knowledge of the situation that you have always made every effort to achieve maximum results. Many thanks to you.
Boris Gromov: Mr Putin, thank you very much. I want to express my appreciation for our joint work since 2000, during the periods when you served as president and prime minister. Thank you for the opportunity to hold such a major public position.
Vladimir Putin: I hope we will work together again.
Boris Gromov: Thank you.
Vladimir Putin: I would like to wish Mr Shoigu success in his job. As I have mentioned, the issues are plentiful in this large and challenging entity of the Russian Federation – yet you have vast experience in managing the ministry and you are aware of the situation in many regions, including the Moscow Region. I hope, and I am certain, that you will be able to work effectively. The Russian government will make every effort to support the Moscow Region and you personally. I am also certain that Mr Gromov, with all his experience and knowledge of the region, will always be there to provide support for you.
Boris Gromov: Certainly.
Sergei Shoigu: Thank you very much.