The Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov is the guest of honor at a symposium in celebration of the role of the first governor of Greece, Ioannis Kapodistrias, in establishing diplomatic relations between Greece and Russia 185 years ago.

Mr. Lavrov expressed his hope that the commercial relations of Greece and Russia would further develop. Mr. Lavrov is scheduled to meet in private with Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, his Greek counterpart Evangelos Venizelos and the President of Democracy Karolos Papoulias.

The Russian Minister is accompanied by other official representatives, who will participate in negotiations for bilateral agreements.