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Vladimir Putin met with Alexei Teksler whom he appointed Acting Governor of the Chelyabinsk Region by a Presidential Executive Order.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Teksler, you are aware of the matter that brought you here today. You had interviews before our meeting. You were born in Chelyabinsk and lived there for how long?

Alexei Teksler: Sixteen and a half years.

Vladimir Putin: Sixteen and a half years. So, it is your hometown. You lived and worked for a rather long time in a large region. You headed the administration in Norilsk, which is one of our major industrial cities. You have been first deputy minister of energy for six years now. This ministry is one of the leading departments in our system of administration.

You know what we are about to offer you. We want you to head the Chelyabinsk Region. What do you think? This is my first question. My second question, if you agree, what do you see as your priority tasks in terms of developing this extremely important industrial region?

The city itself is big – one million residents, and there are many problems there, including environmental. However, we should not forget about development either, because this is one of the key issue.

Alexei Teksler: Mr President, I am ready to head the region. Thank you for your confidence in me. For me, these are not empty words. This is my native region, indeed. I was born and raised there. It will be important for me to earn the trust of Chelyabinsk residents and to get their support.

With regard to priorities, the focus will, of course, be on national projects, including the environment. You are right: there are environmental problems in the region that need to be addressed. I will focus on them.

I will also deal with socioeconomic development and improving living standards. There are also roads and agriculture to focus on. This region is both industrial and agricultural. It is imperative to focus on the social sphere as well.

I am ready to start working. I will do my best.

Vladimir Putin: Are you still in touch with people in the city and the region?

Alexei Teksler: I have never lost contact with Chelyabinsk and the Chelyabinsk Region. I have my childhood friends and family there, and I do see them regularly. So, of course, I keep in touch with them.

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