Yevkurov is undergoing treatment in the Vishnevsky Moscow Institute of Surgery, following an act of terror committed against him on June 22.

"I would like to congratulate you on your birthday," Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said to Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, entering his ward in the hospital. "Here is a present for you. It wasn't made in the Caucasus, but it is a beautiful piece," Putin said, giving Yevkurov a burgundy box with a dagger inside.

Keeping with national tradition, the Ingush President gave Vladimir Putin a coin in return for the sharp object.

"But this is not the only present. Here is the most important one. "Today, at the Government meeting, we made a decision to open a new federal targeted programme to support your republic: 1.5 billion roubles will be spent on it this year, the same amount next year, and as much in 2011 - 4.5 billion in all," Putin summed up. "But this is not all the money required for the programme's implementation," he added, saying that "the appropriations for 2011-2012 are more or less approximate: we'll start with 1.5 billion roubles, and when you recover, we will meet again for a review."

Putin said the business community should also take part in funding the programme. He mentioned that other investors have been involved. "This is what we discussed with you - new jobs, a number of social facilities, and some other things. You know about all this, you remember all this," Putin said.

Putin also reported that he recently met with the Ingush Prime Minister and Acting President Rashid Gaisanov. "He is a young and energetic man, qualified and competent. You should not worry, things are going well," Putin said.

In turn, Yevkurov noted that he was keeping up with things. "I'm guiding this process by phone," he said.

"You must recover, take a break," Putin said.

"It would be a sin not to recover with such a team of doctors," Yevkurov said.

"What about your mood?" inquired Putin.

"I'm ready to fight! Everything is OK, such incidents only make us stronger," Yevkurov said.

"But it is important to respond!" Putin emphasized.

Yunus-Bek Yevkurov: "We have strong, well-thought-out plans."

"But everything should be done in a calm, calculated manner, without any extra emotion. We will do this together," Putin promised.

"The main task is not to break away from the republic's life. I know that people in Ingushetia feel for you, and wish you an early recovery. But I won't torture you any longer. I know you have many visitors, who would like to greet you on your birthday. Get well!" Putin said, completing his visit.

"Thank you for your support," Yevkurov said.

Before meeting the Ingush president, Putin met with the Director of the Vishnevsky Institute of Surgery, and other doctors who described in detail Yevkurov's condition.