Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Byzantine and Christian Museum along with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras after concluding their meeting and joint press conference.

Mr. Putin was toured by the director of the museum, Katerina Delaporta. Greek Minister of Culture Aristides Baltas and other government officials were also present.

Welcoming the two leaders, Mrs. Delaporta pointed out the importance of ‘Ascension’ icon painted in 1428 by Andrei Rublev. She also stressed that the icon is the first art work to be exhibited in the Byzantine and Christian Museum in the framework of the cultural events to take place for the Year of Greece and Russia 2016.

Mr. Tsipras noted that “2016 is the Year of Greece and Russia. This joint initiative aims to highlight the strong ties that bind us. One of our main objectives was to highlight our common roots, those that constitute the foundations of our common cultural heritage.”

Vladimir Putin thanked everyone who contributed to set up this exhibition and stressed that it is an honor for him to attend the opening of “Andrei Rublev exhibition. Rublev not only did he acquire his style in Istanbul, but for a long time, as prime minister said, only the experts knew him and it was not until the 20th century that his art works became known.”