Greece–Russia relations

Greek-Russian relations are at the worst possible point. Statements and actions from both sides are indicative of the bad vibes.

The foreign policy of Greek government towards Russia has sparked reactions among politically opposed parliamentary parties and from public opinion. The reactions vary: from the anti-American sentiments of the left-wing and far-right parties; maybe in an effort to get political gains.

Russian ambassador to Athens Andrey Maslov has been summoned to the Greek foreign ministry tomorrow after the killing of 10 ethnic Greeks and the injury of six more in Russian bombings in Eastern Ukraine.

Six were killed in the village of Santana and four others in the village of Bugas.

They discussed bilateral relations, security in Europe and developments in Eastern Europe & Eastern Mediterranean

The meeting of Foreign Affairs Minister Nikos Dendias with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on 6 November was held in a very cordial atmosphere and turned a new page in Greek-Russian relations, on the basis of a sincere dialogue, Dendias said during joint statements to reporters with Lavrov after their meeting.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Russian President Vladimir Putin held wide-ranging talks in Moscow on Friday, agreeing that a diplomatic spat in the summer had ended and expressing a common interest in energy cooperation.

In a joint press conference, Putin said Moscow would consider inviting Greek companies to help deliver Russian gas to European countries.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras (l) and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands during their meeting in the Kremlin in Moscow, Friday.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will pay an official visit to Moscow on Friday for talks with President Vladimir Putin and his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev.

Officials in the two countries are reportedly keen to repair the damage to ties from a spat that resulted in the expulsion of diplomats from both countries in the summer.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is to travel to Moscow on December 7 for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin that are expected to focus on the economy, investments, energy and regional issues, as well as the restoration of good diplomatic relations.

An exhibition of archival material concerning the foreign policy of the Russian Empire was inaugurated on Wednesday in Moscow by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Greek Ambassador Andreas Fryganas on the occasion of the 190th anniversary of the establishment of Greek-Russian diplomatic ties.

The exhibition is being hosted by the Russian Foreign Ministry.