Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:

Dmitry Medvedev: Mr Borisov,  we have completed our joint work on a very important document: the state programme оn the development of the Far East and the Trans-Baikal Region. It is very big and complicated document. Everyone has spoken and expressed an opinion, and we all understand that we should start working. There are many projects, and I hope that all regions, including the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) will take part in them. This is my first point.

The second point is that today we have reviewed specific questions of the republic’s development – both during our meeting with our other colleagues and with those from United Russia. Many questions were raised, including those on the Tiksi Airport. I have given all the necessary instructions. They must be fulfilled. But this depends on the federal authorities, too. I have done my part.

Recalling our visit to dilapidated housing some time ago – and unfortunately, there is a lot of this in your republic, just as in the rest of the Far East – I’d like to say that we shouldn’t slacken this work. You have told me about the proposals, including those concerning the Housing and Utilities Fund. I think decisions should be made in cooperation with this institution so that people will continue moving from slum dwellings and barracks to quality housing on the territory of your republic as well.

Yegor Borisov: Mr Medvedev, first, I’d like to thank you for the fact that this programme is being endorsed. People in the Far East have been very much looking forward to this. We stand together with other governors in assuming the major responsibility for its implementation.

As for Yakutia, we are working towards the goals that we determined to be our priorities, taking into account your instructions, and we are doing fairly well.

We have many problems and you pointed out one of them: dilapidated housing. With the support you have rendered us in the last few years, we have reduced its amount from 15% to 3%. This is a big step forward.

You can see how intensively we are working on this with the example of Yakutsk. The main thing is that people feel the difference and are very grateful. Remember when you came here before and met with ordinary people who lived in such difficult conditions in dilapidated housing…

Dmitry Medvedev: A very hard life.

Yegor Borisov: It was a sad picture, but now they have received housing and are very grateful. All those whom we have moved to quality housing during these years are very grateful.

Dmitry Medvedev: This is good. You should continue doing this.

Yegor Borisov: I think the programme for eradicating dilapidated housing will help resolve this problem. We have planned large-scale housing construction in Yakutsk and other places. So I think we’ll fulfil the new tasks you have set before us in this area.

Dmitry Medvedev: Okay, let’s continue our joint work.

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