Putin: Greece-Russia relations are strengthening

kuriakos-mitsotakis-blantimir-poutin kuriakos-mitsotakis-blantimir-poutin

“Greek-Russian relations continue to strengthen in all directions,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a joint statement with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Sochi. As he said, the bilateral relations cover a wide range and during the meeting a number of agreements were signed in areas such as maritime security, economy, tourism and new technologies.

The Russian president described the talks he had with the Greek prime minister as “productive, comprehensive and effective” and spoke of a “boost to bilateral cooperation” with the adoption of the complex Greece-Russia action plan.

He also noted that despite the difficulties of the coronavirus, bilateral trade in the first 9 months of this year increased by 56% while Russian companies have a strong interest in investing in Greece. “We expect the same response from the respective Greek ones,” he pointed out. He also expressed the hope that Greece will support Russia’s candidacy for the EXPO 2030 International Exhibition.

He also announced that the year of history of Greece and Russia is extended until the middle of 2022 and added that with Mr. Mitsotakis they referred to issues of Russia-EU relations, in the Balkans, and in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Regarding the Cyprus issue, Mr. Putin reiterated Russia’s position in favor of a comprehensive, just and lasting solution under international law, noting that Moscow supports “the solution of a bi-zonal and bi-communal federation.”

He also referred to the symbolism of the visit of K. Mitsotakis which, as he said, takes place 200 years after the Greek Revolution, reminding that Russia supported the national liberation struggle and was the first country to recognize the independence of Greece.

K. Mitsotakis: Bridge of strengthening bilateral relations
For his part, Mr. Mitsotakis stressed that there was a “long, honest and productive discussion and review of our bilateral relations and their prospects” and spoke of “a bridge of strengthening relations between the two peoples but also an opportunity to expand the cooperation between the two governments “.

He also said he had the opportunity to discuss EU relations with the Russian president. Russia and NATO – Russia. “I recognize the great challenges, but I prefer the need to keep the channels of communication open. Russia is part of the European security architecture. Greece is approaching these relations very carefully, which is why I did not hide my concerns about the resurgence of tensions in Ukraine. A crisis there would only have losers. “Greece is also interesting because of the strong presence of expatriates there,” he said.

He also thanked Mr Putin for the “cordiality with which he was received”, which – he said – “reflects the positive mood to strengthen relations between the two countries, which has lasted for centuries – a tradition that can not be questioned, nor any periods of removal, nor any different views of things “. “Greek-Russian relations exist through the Pontians as well. “It is a continuous path, they have not only a past and a present, but also a future,” he said.

In this context, the Greek Prime Minister continued, initiatives such as the Joint Interministerial Cooperation Committee are also meant. “With the president, we also adopted the joint action plan 2022-4, which identifies common areas of interest. “We can converge in other areas as well,” he said, thanking Putin for the fire brigade he sent to Greece last summer, at a time when Russia was also being hit by large fires.

Regarding energy, he pointed out that Russia has proven to be a reliable supplier of natural gas and that Greece has proven to be a reliable partner. “It is important that any changes do not deviate from the terms of the agreement,” he added.

For the Greek-Turkish

Regarding Greek-Turkish issues, the Russian president stressed that the point of reference and starting point for all disputes is dialogue. “We do not see any obstacles for such a dialogue … We have discussed in great detail the Eastern Mediterranean and Libya. “We are in consultation with all those involved, including Turkey,” he said.

For his part, Mr. Mitsotakis pointed out that the differences between Greece and Turkey will be resolved within the framework of international law. He added that in a conversation with the Russian president, “I was clear that Turkey is not only using inflammatory rhetoric, but also aggression, which is destabilizing.” “Greece

.naftemporiki.gr

leave a reply


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.