Greek-Russian bilateral relations, EU-Russia relations, as well as developments in the Eastern Mediterranean were, among other issues, the main focus of the meeting held today in Moscow by Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis with Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Grushko.
The meeting with Mr. Grusko was the first stop on Mr. Varvitsiotis’ official visit to the Russian capital, as tomorrow he will co-chair the Plenary Session of the 13th Joint Greek-Russian Inter-Ministerial Committee, after which a Cooperation Protocol and several individual agreements are expected to be signed.
The two sides stressed the need to further develop economic relations and to strengthen and facilitate tourism flows.
During the meeting, the good climate between the two countries was confirmed, with Mr. Varvitsiotis noting that in a period of increased instability when our region and the whole world are facing serious challenges, cooperation with Russia is becoming increasingly important.
“We share strong ties of friendship with Russia. This is the basis on which we must build and strengthen our bilateral relations on issues of mutual interest. “On our part and wherever possible, we are determined to intensify efforts in this direction,” the Alternate Minister said.
He added that Greece is, in fact, committed to the development of dialogue and cooperation and that the forthcoming visit of the Prime Minister to Sochi will confirm the high level of cooperation between the two countries.
During the meeting with the Russian Deputy Minister, Mr. Varvitsiotis raised the issue of Turkish provocation in the Aegean Sea, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Cyprus issue, underlining the destabilizing role of Turkey in the wider region.
The Alternate Minister stressed that Greece is in favour of dialogue and respect for the principles of International Law and the Law of the Sea, which are embraced by Russia, values that Turkey blatantly disregards (in practice) by taking unilateral and provocative actions.
Regarding EU-Russia relations, Mr. Varvitsiotis expressed his concern about the current level these relations are. He pointed out that Greece recognizes the role of Russia in addressing several regional issues, but also global challenges, such as the environment. He supported the need to maintain the dialogue between EU and Russia.
During the meeting, the Alternate Minister raised the issue of the return of the Archives of the Jewish Communities of Greece, noting that this would be a symbolic and substantial gesture in the context of the Greek-Russian Year of History.
Finally, Mr. Varvitsiotis thanked the Russian side for its valuable contribution to addressing the wildfires of last August and expressed the desire to further expand cooperation in this crucial field for both countries in the future.