MOSCOW, February 25 (RIA Novosti) - French movie star Gerard Depardieu, who was recently granted Russian citizenship, arrived to Chechnya’s capital Grozny late on Sunday, the Vesti.Ru TV channel reported.

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov greeted Depardieu when the actor was coming off the plane.

“We are glad that our country’s authorities have granted you the Russian citizenship. It was a well-thought and wise decision,” the Chechen leader said. “Thanks God the time has come when world-famous people choose to live in this country.”

This is the second visit to Chechnya by Depardieu. He said he liked the republic and its people, whom he described as “open and friendly,” according to BBC Russia.

During the visit, Depardieu will meet with the republic’s actors, directors and students.

According to the LifeNews tabloid, Depardieu’s meeting with Chechen authorities continued later in the day in Kadyrov’s residence.