Sergei Prikhodko met with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Prikhodko have confirmed their countries’ intention to further develop bilateral cooperation in all fields.

“Your visit is a unique opportunity to open the Russia-Greece cross-year, which is both a point of departure and a major landmark in the development of relations between our countries and nations,” Alexis Tsipras said.

The Greek Prime Minister said that Russian and Greek people had a lot in common. “Our people are linked by old traditions, warm and friendly relations of cooperation, but the strongest link is that we stand on the same side in the fight against fascism, have always been on the same side in critical situations and have always protected human values,” Mr Tsipras said. “I am happy to welcome you today and to be able to discuss the opportunities for strengthening relations between our countries.”

Sergei Prikhodko said that Russia invariably supported the development of bilateral relations. “We will try to maintain the positive mood of our Greek partners to further the all-round development of our relations and in all spheres,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

He also pointed to the sustainable nature of political dialogue between Russia and Greece. “I know that you and Vladimir Putin exchanged opinions on the main directions of Russian-Greek cooperation today. I’d like to pass on to you greetings and best wishes from Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. Russian-Greek dialogue at the top and high levels has always been constant and sustainable. The goal of my visit, which is the opening of the cross-cultural year between Russia and Greece, is fresh evidence of our sincere desire to advance our relations in all these directions,” the Russian Deputy Prime Minister said.

On 11 March 2016, Sergei Prikhodko, the Russian co-chairman of the Russia-Greece Cross-Year organising committee, took part in the opening ceremony of the Cross-Year in Athens, as instructed by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

SOURCE: Government of the Russian federation/Embassy of Russia in Athens