Putin sends letter of thanks to Greek people
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a letter, published in Wednesday’s Kathimerini, thanking the Greek people for the warm reception he received during his two-day visit to Greece last Friday.
“I am truly moved by the warmth and cordiality with which the Russian delegation was greeted in your country,” said Putin, whose visit sought to boost bilateral economic relations and strengthen the cultural and historic ties binding the two Orthodox nations.
“Our talks proved that the positions of Russia and Greece, on most of the issues under discussion, are in harmony,” he noted, insisting that the most important thing was that “we talk not only as partners but as old friends.”
“To a large degree, this is due to the centuries-long tradition of cultural and spiritual affinity of our people.”
During his visit, which included a trip to the Orthodox monastic community of Mount Athos in northern Greece, Putin reiterated Russian interest in buying Trainose, the country’s national railways operator, and a stake in the port of Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest.
“Today’s cooperation between Russia and Greece is based on pragmatism and trust,” he said in the letter, and expressed his “certainty” that the results of his visit will further deepen the spirit of “mutual understanding and trust between our nations.”
