Greek Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development Yannis Dragasakis discussed with Russian Ambassador to Greece Andrey Maslov the prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation, including in investment, according to the press release distributed by the Greek Ministry of Economy and Development.

The press release says that "Yannis Dragasakis met with Russian Ambassador to Greece Andrey Maslov on Wednesday ahead of the upcoming visit of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to Moscow on 7 December 2018, as well as ahead of the session of the Russian-Greek mixed inter-governmantal commission which will be held on 5-6 December 2018."

The ministry noted that "the sides agreed on the importance of strengthening dialogue between Greece and Russia and confirmed further development and expansion of bilateral cooperation."

Dragasakis stressed that close historical ties between the two countries should be reflected in the economic sphere. "In this context, the deputy prime minister and the ambassador discussed investment prospects and possibilities for Russia in Greece," the ministry added.

"When discussing the implementation of the gas pipeline project, the Russian ambassador informed the Greek deputy prime minister about the progress in construction works and about the fact that the second line of the gas pipeline will reach the Greek-Turkish border, and the Russian side is interested in continuing this project if it is supported by the European Union. In this context, the Greek side once again confirmed its interest in progress and prospects of this project," the press release said.