Alternate FM Xydakis meets with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksey Yurievich Meshkov (Moscow, 30 May 2016)

The Alternate Foreign Minister for European Affairs, Nikos Xydakis, met today with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Aleksey Yurievich Meshkov, within the framework of his three-day visit to Moscow.

The meeting, which took place following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Greece earlier this week, was a follow-up to the political consultations between the two countries on further tightening of bilateral relations.

The Russian delegation briefed the Greek side on Russia’s positions on issues concerning Russia’s relations with the European Union. The issues of sanctions and visa liberalization were discussed, and Mr. Meshkov commented pointedly on the EU’s European Neighbourhood Policy/Eastern Partnership, as well as on the EU-Ukraine-Russia relations triangle.

The consultations between the two delegations also looked at matters of cooperation in the sectors of energy and tourism. Mr. Xydakis briefed his counterpart on the Greek government’s intention to continue to work systematically so that Greek-Russian cooperation in these sectors can bring the optimum results for both sides.

During Mr. Xydakis’ three-day visit to the Russian capital, a Consular Meeting will be held, as will a meeting with the head of Russia’s Federal Agency for Tourism, Oleg Petrovich Safonov.

May 30, 2016