Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras referred to the restart of Greek-Russian relations stressing the agreements signed for the enrichment of bilateral cooperation in the sectors of energy, transport, tourism, shipbuilding, mining and pharmaceuticals.

Speaking in a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stressed again that “strengthening relations with Russia constitutes a strategic choice” and noted that Russian leader’s visit to Athens is carried out in a very successful period for Greece, since “with the successful completion of program review, we are leaving behind us the period of uncertainty and creating the conditions for economic growth”.

“Peak of our discussion was the development of investment in transport, ports, mining industry, pharmaceutical industry, tourism and partnerships in agri sector and other sectors” he also said, while with regard to Ukraine, Mr. Tsipras said: “we attach importance to stability and peace in the region on the basis of the Minsk Agreement,”.

On his side, Mr. Putin noted the range of agreements signed on Friday adding that Greek-Russian relations are progressing in the Greece-Russia Year.

He also stressed that bilateral trade last year totaled 2.7 billion euros, adding that the two countries agreed to emphasise investments.

Mr. Putin also noted Russia has already invested 700 million euros in Greece and that there’s room for more investments in transport.

Regarding the tourist industry, Mr. Putin said this year about one million Russians are expected to visit Greece, given the constraints on trips to Turkey and Egypt stressing that if the visa issue is solves, this number will be tripled.

A political declaration for Greek-Russian dialog on international and regional issues of mutual interest and a partnership declaration for modernization was earlier signed, while the delegations signed cooperation agreements between ministries on science, technology, tourism and meteorology.