Greek-Russian relations were the focus of today’s meeting between Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Alexander Grushko, who is visiting Greece.
During their meeting, which took place in a very friendly atmosphere, they discussed bilateral cooperation and regional issues.
Referring to the bicentennial of the Greek Revolution, Mr. Varvitsiotis underscored the historic role Russia played in its successful outcome, stressing the timeless ties of friendship between the two peoples. He added that this year, as the Greek-Russian Year of History, is an opportunity to further strengthen the ties between the two sides.
As co-chair of the Greek-Russian Joint Interministerial Committee, the Alternate Minister noted that he looks forward to the next JIC meeting in the near future, underscoring that Greece wants to see the recovery of bilateral trade and to attract Russian investments. Mr. Varvitsiotis welcomed the recent decision of the Russian authorities to restore flights between the Russian Federation and Greece on 8 February 2021.
Finally, Mr. Varvitsiotis reiterated the Greek side’s request for the return of the Archives of the Jewish Communities of Greece, which were stolen by the Nazis during World War II and are currently in Russia.
January 29, 2021