ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first trip to a European Union country this year Friday with a visit to Greece that will include a stop at a secluded Christian Orthodox monastic sanctuary. Under heavy security, Putin arrived for a two-day visit expected to focus on energy cooperation and Russian investments during talks with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. Athens is keen to maintain its traditionally close ties with post-Soviet Russia, despite its participation in European Union sanctions against Moscow, and a gas pipeline project designed to limit Russia's regional energy dominance. "These are difficult times for everyone — in terms of the economy and international security," Putin said as he visited Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos. "We must examine these problems and look for a solution.Read more on NewsOK.com