At a meeting with Valery Kokov, president of Kabardino-Balkaria (a republic in the North Caucasus, one of Russia's key alpine resort and climbing areas) the head of state wanted to know the state of recreation and health resort facilities in the republic.
"We must provide modern infrastructure and suitable conditions," Putin said. "I know that both foreigners and Russians, by tradition, come here for holidays." The head of state noted that in the 1990s the resorts went into decline.
In reply, Kokov told Putin that health resorts in Kabardino-Balkaria were going through the initial stages of revival.
"We see holiday-makers and tourists not only from Russia, but also many from other countries. And not only from Europe, but from Africa and America as well," said the head of Kabardino-Balkaria.
Kokov also described to the head of state the social and economic situation in the republic.
"As regards the situation in the republic, I can today characterize it as satisfactory," he said. According to him, in economic and social development rates, the republic "keeps up with the rest of Russia, and sometimes surpasses it."
