PM Tsipras: Strengthening relations is a strategic choice; sanctions are not a solution
Tsipras spoke about the agreements signed for the enrichment of bilateral cooperation in the sectors of energy, transport, tourism, shipbuilding, mining and pharmaceuticals. They also discussed promoting partnerships in the agri-food sector. “Energy constitutes a key area of economic development for the region and Greece and our strategic aim is for Greece to become an energy hub,” the Greek premier said.
He said this cooperation is a strategic choice for Greece, not just because of historical ties, but because it constitutes an integral part of an active, foreign policy for Greece. Tsipras said the country has stable alliances with the West “but doesn’t hesitate to extend its branches north, towards the Balkans, the wider Black Sea neighborhood, the south, in North Africa, the Middle and Far East.”
Asked about Greece’s stance towards EU sanctions against Russia, Tsipras said the country keeps its commitments to the organizations in which it is involved, is an EU and NATO country, but also a country that because of its traditional relations with Russia is extremely useful for the EU. He then stressed that there can be no future for the European continent with the EU and Russia in adversity.
"With regard to Ukraine, we attach importance to stability and peace in the region on the basis of the Minsk Agreement," he added.
On his side, Putin noted the range of agreements signed on Friday adding that Greek-Russian relations are progressing in the Greece-Russia Year, a large part of which is promoting trade. He said bilateral trade last year totaled 2.7 billion euros.
He said the two countries agreed to emphasise investments, noting Russia has already invested 700 million euros in Greece and that there’s room for more investments in transport.
Putin also said the 10th joint ministerial committee will meet in September to discuss difficulties in cooperation and added that there is still many possibilities for cooperation in energy and the agreement signed today will contribute to its further development.
Asked by ANA-MPA under what conditions Russia could restore relations with Turkey, Putin replied: “I still cannot understand why they did this. Our forces are not fighting in Syria against the regular tactical army, but against the formations and we never thought that the Turkish fighter jet would shoot down our own aircraft. If we knew, we would have done it differently from the beginning.”
He said Turkish forces didn’t just shoot down the aircraft, they also shot the pilot. “That’s a war crime,” he said, adding they haven’t heard any explanations from the Turkish leadership. “We heard about their desire to restore relations and we also have such a desire … We do our utmost to bring the Russian-Turkish relations at a very high level.”
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