Tsipras Visit To Moscow Aimed At Ending Conflict In Russia-Greece Relations - Source

ATHENS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st November, 2018) The visit of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to Russia slated for December is aimed at restoration of bilateral cooperation after a diplomatic scandal between the two states, a source in Athens familiar with the preparations for the visit told Sputnik.

Tsipras' visit to Moscow was initially scheduled for the second half of 2018, however, after a diplomatic scandal erupted between the two countries in July, the visit has been called into question. In July, Athens decided to expel two Russian diplomats and ban two more from entering the country over national security concerns. Russia responded by expelling two Greek diplomats.

"With the visit of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to Moscow on December 7, Greece and Russia will restore cooperation and broaden the prospects for Russian-Greek relations in various fields," the source said.

According to the source, temporary difficulties have not eliminated the main component in bilateral relations and Athens notes Russia's constructive position.

The source added that the row between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Constantinople Patriarchate will not be on the agenda of Tsipras' meetings in Moscow.

The Greek prime minister is also going to confirm Greece's position on the necessity to develop dialogue between NATO and Russia, the source added.