At the beginning of the meeting, the President noted that the republic had a budget surplus and asked about the method this result was achieved. Rashid Temrezov replied that the budget surplus was indeed about 1.6–1.7 billion rubles, largely due to the republic’s own revenues. Its GDP is growing. A decrease in agricultural revenues was attributed to drought and hailstorms. However, this year, all farmlands have been sown with crops and are currently in excellent condition.
Rashid Temrezov briefed the President on the region’s socioeconomic development. In particular, he said that 803 social facilities worth nearly 45 billion rubles had been built over the past five years. They have built 190 kilometres of roads, which is a great deal for a small republic, as well as 64 schools, 56 cultural facilities and 52 healthcare centres. Vladimir Putin pointed out that schoolchildren were studying in two shifts. Rashid Temrezov replied that this issue would be resolved by 2030.
They also spoke about tourism. The head of the republic recalled that the President had personally initiated the Arkhyz project and said that this ski resort has become very popular. Last year alone, 2.3 million people visited it, which is 4.5 times more than the population of the republic. It is not just a ski resort but an all-season destination with great potential. As per the President’s instructions, a concession agreement to build Arkhyz Airport was signed in July 2024. The design stage will be completed this year. Rashid Temrezov said that the airport will open in 2029 and that the passenger turnover will reach 1 million that year. The head of the republic noted that Karachayevo-Circassia is the only constituent entity in the North Caucasus without its own airport.
Rashid Temrezov thanked the President for awarding the honorary “guards” designation to the 34th Motorised Brigade deployed in the republic. He added that 70 percent of servicemen mobilised in the republic are serving in the 34th Motorised Brigade. Vladimir Putin replied that the brigade is performing well.
The head of the republic also stated that over 1,000 events have been held as part of the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland and that the programme will continue until the end of the year. He emphasised that the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland promotes connections between generations and fosters patriotism among young people.
Vladimir Putin pointed out that this is extremely important and possibly the most crucial aspect for advancing not only within the special military operation but also in all other areas of the development and strengthening of Russian statehood.
Other practical matters were also discussed at the meeting.