Peskov called on Greece to follow Turkey's example of co-operation with Russia

 

  Peskov gave an interview in English to the Greek television channel ANT1 on the eve of the meeting between the head of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Sochi. The channel first summarized what will be in the interview, and on Wednesday night in its main news program showed the first fragments of it. The entire interview will be shown on the "Special Report" program on Friday night.

 "Historically, we have very special relations with Greece. It's about people, spirituality, religion. Every time we look with great hope to the future of our bilateral relations. We have a very good volume of trade and economic cooperation, it is improving, "said the press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation.

 Asked how he would rate Russian-Greek relations on a ten-point scale, Peskov said: "Maybe this is a somewhat personal [opinion], it's about six, because there is still a lot to do. We need to think about bilateral trade and economic cooperation, because this is the best insurance system. It will help us get around and save us from political instability. "Greece is a member of NATO, Greece is a member of the EU and now we have serious problems with both structures."

 Asked if there were opportunities for serious strengthening of relations and cooperation between Greece and Russia, the spokesman said: "Definitely yes. "We strive and are ready to establish as developed relations with Greece as Greece is ready to do," Peskov said. He gave the example of Turkey, which "despite its membership in NATO has a very advanced level of military-technical cooperation" with the Russian Federation. "We are planning mutual bilateral projects with her because they are sovereign enough to make decisions, despite their membership in NATO. Because it meets their national interests, "Peskov explained.

 In an interview, Peskov touched on Greek-Russian relations and expectations arising from Putin's meeting with Mitsotakis, Moscow-Ankara co-operation, the energy crisis across Europe, which has led to a sharp rise in gas prices, and the situation in Ukraine.