Greece and Russia are discussing the possibility of cooperation on tourism, said Deputy Foreign Minister responsible for International Economic Relations Dimitris Mardas on Friday when speaking to Praktorio 104.9 FM.

The discussion includes cruise ships that will carry Russian tourists from the port of Sochi to Thessaloniki with mid-stop at Istanbul. Mardas says the proposal for the cruises was discussed at the ongoing meetings between the Greek and Russian authorities that have been taking place over the last few months.

“We have proposed that cruise ships with Russian tourists leave from Sochi, stop at Istanbul to visit the Byzantine monuments and afterwards sail for Thessaloniki where the tourists will be able to visit the monuments of Thessaloniki,” said Mardas.

He said discussion between the Greek authorities and the Russian Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov was held during a meeting in Sochi. Asked about what Russia’s conflict with Turkey means for Greece, Mardas said that time will tell where the Russians will choose to find their holidays that mainly depends on their own tastes and is affected by the government up to a point.

“We are open to welcome them. Traditionally our relations with the Russians are very good,” said Mardas.

He also said that the next Greek-Russian meeting will be held in Thessaloniki.