Greece is satisfied with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday. The main goals of the visit were achieved.

1. The creation of an energy axis between both sides. The prospect of Greece becoming a player on the energy market can have mutual benefits for Russia and Greece. The agreement for a gas pipe to link the current pipeline that stops at Turkey with the West Balkans and central Europe was achieved. Short-term benefits include the reduction of natural gas prices for Greece.

2. Barriers for Greek agriculture exports to Russia were lifted. Greek-Russian collaborations for the transport of products to Greece would not be considered an export, hence could take place despite the Russian embargo on EU products.

3. The development of bilateral collaborations in trade, finance, tourism, culture and education was pledged. The strengthening of such activities at a time of crisis is considered important. Investment and participation of Russian companies in tenders for privatizations and other opportunities in Greece will also help. Moscow is particularly interested in the Port of Thessaloniki and the railway. Russians will also take part in competitions for oil drilling at 20 sea parts of the Ionian and South Crete.

4. Greek hopes that energy and agriculture deals will help bring jobs and millions, and consequently millions of dollars to the cash-strapped country.

5. The development of a multi-faceted foreign policy that would not be crushed by the burden of the economic crisis and not ruled by political pressure that bear no relation to the European democratic ideals or respect of national sovereignty.

Tsipras, during his speech in Moscow, clarified that Greece is not a “debt colony” to receive recommendations on matters concerning its bilateral relations. he sent a clear message to Brussels that Greece plans to respect the European framework but also its own sovereignty.

On the agenda for Holy Thursday, April 9, 2015

• 10:00 Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras gives a speech at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, titled “Greek-Russian relations and Europe.”
• 12:00 Tsipras meets with the Chairman of the State Duma Sergei Naryshkin.
• 15:00 Tsipras meets with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.
• 16:30 Tsipras meets with Patriarch Kyrillos of Russia