Russian and Greek diplomats to meet
The Russian-Greek Intergovernmental Commission for Economic, Industrial and Scientific Cooperation will meet today.
Originally planned for early 2020, the delayed meeting will be co-chaired by Greek Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis and Russian Minister of Transport Vitaly Saveyev. Since the 2018 Prespa Agreement, which renamed the Republic of North Macedonia and paved the way for North Macedonian entry to the EU and NATO, the traditionally friendly relations between Moscow and Athens have taken a frosty turn. However, communication efforts between the two nations’ diplomats and heads of state have since improved the bilateral relationship.
Greece has uniquely positioned itself as an EU and NATO member while also depending heavily on Russian military equipment. Both nations share a neighbour in Turkey, and Putin has tended to side with Athens in regional disputes between the Mediterranean countries. Look for both governments to seek coordination in combating terrorism, climate change and COVID-19. With the launching of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V, expect Greece to follow up on its expressed interest by approving the vaccine for order and distribution within its borders. Tourism accounts for one-fifth of the Greek economy, which has suffered during the pandemic, leading to calls to welcome travelers beginning in May for those who test negative, have antibodies or are vaccinated against COVID-19.
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