Russia - Greece strengthen cooperation to develop energy projects

Russian President Putin specifically mentioned Greece's participation in the Russian "Turkish Stream" gas pipeline project.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on April 8 that Greece had not asked Russia for financial assistance, but that the country could benefit from Russian investments in infrastructure projects.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras in Moscow, President Putin stressed that there would be no assistance but that the country would strengthen cooperation in economic areas: “The Greek side did not ask Russia for financial assistance. We only discussed cooperation in many areas of the economy, including the possibility of developing large energy projects. Here, we are not talking about assistance, but only about cooperation.”

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin (photo: TASS)

Mr. Putin also specifically mentioned Greece's participation in the "Turkish Stream" gas pipeline project between Russia and Türkiye, which would ensure gas supplies from Russia to southern European countries. However, the parties did not reach any strong agreement on this issue.

Greek Prime Minister Tsipras' visit to Russia took place as the country has yet to reach an agreement with the "troika" of creditors (including the European Union, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund - IMF) to disburse further loans.

Therefore, there have been many opinions that the visit shows that Greece is looking for other financial sources, outside the European Union, a move that could further increase tensions between Greece and European Union member countries, as well as between the bloc and Russia./.

According to VOV