One hundred years later, Russia opens Consulate in Alexandroupolis

The Russian Embassy in Athens announced on Monday the reopening of its Consulate in the Greek city of Alexandroupolis after more than 100 years.

The Russian Ambassador to Greece Andrey Maslov on September 20, presented the consular diploma of the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Greek Foreign Affairs Ministry's executive document to Konstantinos Palakidis, who assumed his duties as Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation on September 5, with headquarters in Alexandroupolis and jurisdiction in the Region of East Macedonia-Thrace.

According to the Embassy announcement, consular protocol of the Russian Federation dictates that the responsibilities of the honorary consul will include ensuring the protection of the rights and interests of Russian citizens, be they visitors or permanent residents within the consulate's jurisdiction.

Mr Palakidis is the managing director and co-owner of Thraki Palace SA, which owns the five-star hotel complex and conference center Ramada Plaza Thraki in Alexandroupolis.

Palakidis is reportedly a prestigious businessman, known for his philanthropic activity and for his support in developing mutually beneficial relations between Greece and Russia. He is also known for his contribution to perpetuating the historical presence of Russians in Alexandroupolis and East Macedonia-Thrace. 

There are currently five honorary Russian consulates operating in Greece: on Crete (serving the Dodecanese also), on Corfu (serving all Ionian Islands), and at Patras, Lamia and Nafplio.

2019 marks 210 years since the establishment of the Russian Consular Service.