Putin Visits Greece For Energy, Investment Talks

Read More...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 in the country’s north. 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. Putin was met at Athens Airport by Defense Minister Panos Kammenos as air force F-16s buzzed overhead as part of a welcoming ceremony. Russia is one of Greece’s main trading partners, but business has been hit by the sanctions and drop in commodity prices. Greece is also keen to reverse a slump in tourist arrivals from Russia last year. “This will be the first time Putin has visited an EU country in the past six months and Russia-EU relations will be definitely on the agenda,” said Alexander Kokcharov of the U.S.-based IHS Country Risk group. “Putin is likely to offer investment projects in Greece, most likely in energy and transport sectors.