Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to energy, the hi-tech sector and infrastructure projects as areas where his country and investment-starved Greece can cooperate, as he arrived in Greece for a two-day visit.
The highlight of Putin’s trip will be his attendance at a commemorative church service at a well-known monastery in the semi-autonomous Mount Athos promontory to mark the 1,000-presence of Russian Orthodox monasticism in the monastic enclave.
With Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras by his side, Putin reminded that the current period is difficult but that prospects exist for trade and investments.
“We must transform good relations into tangible economic results,” he said in statements broadcast live by the state broadcaster, which devoted its entire program on Friday to covering Putin’s visit.
The visit also marks a rare foray for Russian leadership into the European Union since Moscow annexed Crimea during the height of the Ukraine crisis.
