Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich met with the leadership of the Greek Agricultural development and foods ministry, including Minister Vangelis Apostolou, and talked about the Greek exports and the Russian embargo.

Mr. Dvorkovich said that the product list banned under the Russian embargo could be modified leading to some Greek exports depending on developments linked to EU sanctions.

He also noted that it would be useful to be prepared in advance for a possible lifting of the embargo by carrying out all possible inspection processes of Greek businesses by Russian authorities, so that exports might begin immediately once embargo is lifted.

The two delegations agreed to draw up a road map for the next steps to further develop the relations between Russia and Greece in the agricultural sector and to create a joint working group in the first quarter of 2016.

They also agreed to fully take advantage of the opportunities created in 2016, which has been declared “Greek Year” in Russia and “Russian Year” in Greece.

Mr. Apostolou said that the Greek side had carried out all necessary preparations and was fully ready to exploit the opportunities that arise from any modification of the list of banned products.