Galery

1

The chairwoman of Russia’s Federation Council met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos and the talks were especially fruitful and filled with mutual understanding as stated by the Russian diplomat. The interest in further developing and extending the relations between the two countries at all levels has been confirmed. As stressed by Matviyenko, it has been decided to form a joint interdepartmental commission of all ministries to strengthen the diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Regarding visas, both Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos and Prime Minister of Greece Antonis Samaras have confirmed that they agree to simplify the procedures in view of the future visa waiver. Moreover, upon assuming the Presidency of the European Union, Greece will take initiatives to strengthen the dialogue with Moscow and will endeavour to simplify the procedure for issuing visas in order to waive them in the future which will support tourism, business relations, science, etc.

Furthermore, Matviyenko has expressed Russia’s satisfaction connected with the increased number of Russian tourists in Greece which reached 1.2 million and who spent an average of 1,000 euro in addition to the cost of their overnight stay. Therefore, the simplification of the procedures for issuing visas would have a positive impact on tourism.

The chairwoman of the Federation Council states that the press does not present the statements of various Russian officials correctly which creates false impressions. "The political leadership of the country fully supports the investment plans of Russian companies and their participation in investment procedures", she stressed.

Matviyenko talked about the recent withdrawal of Bulgaria from the project for the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline, noting that Evangelos Venizelos has confirmed Greece’s interest in this project. The chairwoman of the Federation Council has confirmed that the Russian side also supports its renewal at a tripartite level, adding "We are sorry for the unilateral decision of Sofia which was taken under political pressure", finally stressing that the project could be useful for everyone.

Valentina Matviyenko states that she is not aware of the contents of Vladimir Putin’s letter to the Greek government but she is aware of Greece’s position regarding the Syrian issue, namely that the country supports the political and diplomatic settlement of the crisis.

Regarding the invitation Greece has extended to Putin to visit Athens, she avoided replying, pointing out that this question deserves special attention.

Misinterpretation of Putin’s statement

In response to a question by "To Vima" newspaper, namely why Putin had said that Greece is a problematic country for investment, Valentina Matviyenko said that Putin 's words were misinterpreted and added that he had spoken positively about the country, accounting for the fact that a large number of Russian companies invest in Greece and that Moscow is seeking to strengthen the economic relations.