Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev met with Crimea's government on Monday.

It was the highest level visit after Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula.

An annexation Western governments say was an illegal seizure from Ukraine.

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRIME MINISTER DMITRY MEDVEDEV, SAYING:

"It's an unusual meeting. Traditionally, meetings of the government of the Russian federation are held in Moscow, but today is exactly such instance when I thought it is necessary to gather here, in Crimea, bearing in mind that our country was joined by two new territories."

Medvedev announced immediate steps to help improve living standards in Crimea:

Increasing pensions and salaries.

Improving infrastructure.

Boosting tourism and creating an economic zone.

Welcome news for many residents of the capital Simferapol.

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) SIMFEROPOL RESIDENT, ALEXANDER, SAYING:

"I think if Medvedev has come there must be a reaso