The 2,959 kilometers that separate Athens and Moscow on the map have never been an obstacle in Greek-Russian relations. After all, we have a lot in common with Russia; linked through historical, cultural, religious ties.
However, the modern context that has been established in Greek-Russian relations is governed by a different multifaceted framework of cooperation; a political, investment and, -as I found out during my visit to the Russian capital- an educational one.
Although I have visited Moscow plenty of times during my political career, this time heading the government delegation I had a major responsibility, that is the Greek delegation to return with several agreements in areas of mutual interest.
And indeed, this goal of ours was achieved; and it was achieved, a few days before the Prime Minister’s visit to Russia and the meeting with President Putin to be held in Sochi on December 8.
After months of intensive work and coordination between the competent Greek and Russian ministries, in a trip full of meetings and consultations, we have demonstrated that Greece really wishes to promote the strengthening of its relations with Russia.
The Cooperation Protocol that I signed together with the Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation Vitaly Savelyev constitutes a new step forward in Greek-Russian relations.
Concluding the proceedings of the 13th Joint Interministerial Committee, we provided solutions to outstanding problems. We concluded drawn-out negotiations. We further expanded the contractual framework of our bilateral contacts.
Russia may not be an easy interlocutor, it is, however, a key player in European security architecture that has a say on regional issues, in the Eastern Mediterranean, on the Cyprus issue. That is why we look forward to a functional and dynamic relationship with it. Of course, we are concerned about the deteriorating relations between Russia and the European Union and NATO, of which Greece is a member.
But the channels of communication should remain open so as to build a relationship based on honesty, good faith and respect for the principles of International Law.
The cornerstone of our cooperation, though, is the economy. That is why, at a time when the Greek economy is galloping at a growth rate of 8%, we should attract Russian investment and strengthen our economic and trade relations.
The countermeasures of the Russian government have disproportionately affected Greek exports since 2014. The Greek businessmen I personally met in Moscow, as well as many others, are the worthy ambassadors of Greek entrepreneurship, who, demonstrating business sense and exceptional skills, can further develop bilateral trade and investment.
In the energy sector, the uninterrupted supply of gas to our country at competitive prices should continue. In the field of air transport, we are calling for a return to the pre-COVID era status with the resumption of transit flights. In tourism we can further exploit the possibilities of strategic cooperation.
During my trip to Moscow, I discovered a “Greek” community consisting of Russian students studying in Greek-speaking departments of Moscow Universities.
I heard young people, who have never visited our country, so many thousands of kilometers away from Greece, speak the Greek language fluently. So, it is our duty to strengthen the educational ties between Greece and Russia.
“We look forward to seeing you in Greece,” I told them.
That was an open invitation to both Greek-speaking Russian students and investors.