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President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev: Mr Gromov, I just wanted to say a big thank you to you for all of your work as governor of Moscow Region over these last 12 years. I think a lot has changed over this time. New social facilities have been built, one of which is serving as the venue for our meeting today. The biggest result of all is that general living standards in Moscow Region have risen and improved steadily over this time.
I hope that Sergei Shoigu, who has just been named new governor of the region, and his team will continue this policy of building up the region, continuing its social development and improving living standards for all of the region’s residents. Once more, I think you for all your hard work.
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