Mr Putin arrived at the Kabardino-Balkaria regional administration building where the farewell ceremony for Mr Kokov took place, and paid tribute to the former President’s memory.
The President gave his condolences to Mr Kokov’s widow, Violetta Kokova, his son Kazbek, daughter Larisa, and his sisters and brother.
Mr Putin spent several minutes talking with Mrs Kokova.
The President held a meeting with the republic’s leadership in the regional administration building.
President of Kabardino-Balkaria Arsen Kanokov, speaker of the republic’s parliament Ilyas Bechelov, Prime Minister Gennady Gubin, Interior Minister Khachim Shogenov and Sergei Ushakov, head of the regional Federal Security Service, took part in the meeting.
While in Nalchik Mr Putin also spoke with city residents who gathered on the square in front of the regional administration building.
“Thank you for coming to say farewell to Valery Mukhamedovich [Kokov]”, Mr Putin said, addressing the local residents. “His departure is a great loss for us all. Valery Mukhamedovich was one of the most respected regional leaders and did a great deal for the country as a whole and for his republic and its people.”