Greek Ambassador To Russia Praises Deep Bilateral Ties Between Countries

Greek Ambassador to Russia Andreas Friganas on Wednesday praised the deep level of cooperation and friendship between Russia and Greece and hailed a new period in relations marked by mutual respect.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th September, 2018) Greek Ambassador to Russia Andreas Friganas on Wednesday praised the deep level of cooperation and friendship between Russia and Greece and hailed a new period in relations marked by mutual respect.

Friganas attended the opening of an exhibition dedicated to the 190th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Greece. The event was also attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

"Today we are opening a new period ... of relations and cooperation on the basis of traditions of friendship and mutual respect. And as follows from all the above Greek-Russian friendship is very deep. The exhibition, which was organized under your leadership, mr. minister, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, includes unique exhibits worthy of the traditions of our relations," Friganas said.

Lavrov, on his part, said that Russia is ready to continue strengthening its diversified partnership with Greece "without succumbing to the influence of fickle political winds."

"Times are different, but we highly appreciate the fact that our ties are beyond the pressure of external forces and remain an important element of stability in Europe," Lavrov said at the opening of the exhibition.

The Russian foreign minister also expressed gratitude to the Greek side for taking care of the memory of Soviet soldiers buried in Greece.

The exhibition features over 60 archive pictures and documents, including a 1826 letter by Greek military officers asking Russia to help Greece gain independence, and is being attended by Greek embassy staff, Russian lawmakers, government officials and Orthodox Church representatives.

Russia and Greece established relations in September 1828, when an envoy sent by Emperor Nicholas I of Russia gave his credentials to Ioannis Kapodistrias, the founder of the modern Greek state, on the island of Poros. The island hosted anniversary celebrations earlier this week, which were attended by Russian Ambassador to Greece Andrey Maslov and Russian navy officers from Black Sea Fleet frigate Admiral Essen that visited the island specifically to mark the occasion.