Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded his two-day visit to Greece Saturday by stressing the commonalities and sympathy of the Russian and Greek peoples.
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“We expect some concrete steps from their (Turkish) side”. The two countries also want to revive plans to build the Turkish Stream natural gas pipeline, which would bypass Ukraine entirely.
Despite numerous posters critical of Putin that were seen on the streets of Athens the relations between Greece and Russian Federation remain traditionally good.
Greek officials said that the prospect of increased trade with Russian Federation could play a part in the country’s recovery efforts, as Greece remains in recession despite far-reaching austerity measures.
“This question is closed forever”, the Russian leader said. “It was a historical decision made by the people living in Crimea”, said Putin.
A series of declarations for closer Greek-Russian dialogue on regional and global issues and bilateral agreements for cooperation on energy, tourism, technology, education and science were signed at the end of talks at the Greek Prime Minister’s office.
Greece and Hungary have already raised criticisms of the sanctions imposed over Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
However, given Greece’s fiscal constraints, Putin said he did not expect Athens to perform “the feats of Hercules” in the corridors of European bureaucracy.
The Russian president said strong “counter-measures” will be enacted to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation deployment, and he emphasized that his country is reacting to the Western action, not making the first move in a confrontation.
Earlier this month the United States and Russian Federation accused each other of mounting an aggressive military presence in northern Europe, with Moscow vowing to “end threats” posed by a USA missile shield near its border.
Moscow also seems to be interested in investing money in a number of privatization deals in Greece, such as the port of Thessaloniki.
European Union leaders are scheduled to discuss whether to renew existing sanctions on Russia’s banking, defense and energy sectors in June.
“As soon as they are lifted, we will take analogous steps toward our partners”.
“We’re here to support the Russian gay community”, he said.
Some 2,500 police were providing security for Putin’s visit in Athens, and much of the city center was blocked to motorists and public transport.
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Male pilgrims, including non Orthodox Christians, can visit upon invitation, while women are barred from approaching the area for 1,000 years under a decree issued by then Byzantine Emperor Constantine Monomachos who established the sanctuary.
