The Prime Minister Antonis Samaras met with Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday in Brussels and discussed a number of bilateral issues, such as natural gas, privatizations and tourism. Mr. Samaras highlighted the bonds that bring the Greek and Russian people together, namely tradition and religion and welcomed the developing relationship between Russia and Europe.
Regarding natural gas, the Greek Premier explained that the low energy prices from Russia are instrumental in the recovery of the Greek economy after six years of recession. Furthermore Mr. Samaras revealed that there was significant Russian investment interest in the railways and ports.
The Russian President expressed his “great joy and pleasure” for the meeting and further developing the bonds of friendship with Greece. Mr. Putin detailed that trade between the two countries has increased, as much as 16% last year, and reported that about 1.2 million Russians visited Greece.
Samaras travels to Israel next
Following his meeting with the Russian President in Brussels, Mr. Samaras is expected to travel to Israel next, where he will seek to further develop military and trade ties. Additionally, the PM will discuss energy matters related to the tripartite memorandum of cooperation Greece and Israel recently signed with Cyprus.
