Greek Prime Minister & Russian President discuss Hagia Sophia

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had a telephone discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday afternoon.

During the call, they discussed developments in the East Mediterranean and the wider region and the issue of the conversion of the UNESCO monument of Hagia Sophia into a mosque.

According to the Kremlin, the official website of the President of Russia, "On the initiative of the Greek side, Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Kyriakos Mitsotakis."

"The situation in connection with the change in the status of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul was thoroughly discussed. The exceptional cultural, historical and spiritual significance of this unique World Heritage Site is underlined. The importance of its preservation as a common human property, a symbol of peace and harmony was noted," the statement continued.

The Greek Prime Minister and the Russian President agreed to maintain further contacts.

The communication comes after Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed that the transformation of Hagia Sophia is an internal affair of Turkey.

“[Our] Turkish partners explained that everything will be preserved in the best possible way, and everyone will be able to visit Hagia Sophia. Moreover, I will tell you, there were quite expensive tickets to Hagia Sophia,” Peskov said. “And now there will be no tickets, the entrance will be free. In this regard, our tourists will benefit.”