Greece and Russia shake hands on renewing relations

Greece’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nikos Dendias met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Wednesday in an effort to restart relations.

Following their meeting, both ministers held a joint press conference where they affirmed that both countries turned a new page in Greek-Russian relations, on the basis of a sincere dialogue.

"Our bilateral relations are founded on timeless ties of friendship, mutual respect and understanding," Dendias noted and underlined the significance of the joint Greece-Russia Consultations Program 2020-2022, which the two ministers signed and which foresees regularly held meetings at both political and in-house level.

Foreign Affairs Minister pointed out that as Greece is emerging from the financial crisis it is returning to international fora, and intends to take advantage of its geographical position as a NATO member and a member of the European Union, and even the Council of Europe, whose presidency it will assume next year.

"Given Greece's position as a veteran EU and NATO member-state, we seek to contribute positively to the dialogue with Russia. We want to further develop our relations in view of maintaining regional stability and enhancing security, especially at this sensitive conjuncture," he elaborated.

On his part Lavrov took the opportunity to remind the press pack that Russia contributed to Greece’s freedom.

"2021 will mark the bicentenary of the Greek War of Independence, which gave rise to the independent Greek state, an event to which our country contributed in every possible way," added Lavrov and revealed that with his Greek counterpart "we discussed possible joint events in the context of this anniversary."

Dendias noted that Greece will soon send an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin to participate in these commemorative events.