Tsipras Calls for 'Brand New' Start in Relations Between Moscow and Athens

Vladimir Putin and Alexis Tsipras are expected to discuss connecting Athens to the Turkish Stream, lifting Moscow’s embargo on Greek food imports and a gas discount.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Russia and Greece must kick-start bilateral relations to ensure stability and safety in the region, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said Wednesday.

“The purpose of my visit is to make a joint attempt to make a brand new beginning, new start in relations for the good of our people, and also to seek for stability and security in the broad sense in the region,” Tsipras said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Tsipras arrived in Moscow for a state visit at the invitation of President Putin.

Meeting with Russian President, @PutinRF_Eng ahead of this afternoon's press conference. #Greece pic.twitter.com/iLUizVPLp2

— Alexis Tsipras (@tsipras_eu) 8 апреля 2015

During the meeting in Kremlin, the sides are expected to discuss connecting Athens to the Russian-Turkish gas pipeline.

Reportedly, Putin and Tsipras will discuss the possibility of a Russian gas discount for Athens, as well as lifting Moscow’s embargo on Greek food imports, imposed as a response measure on EU states that earlier introduced anti-Russia sanctions over the Ukrainian crisis.

The left-wing Greek Syriza party led by Tsipras came to power in January, and has taken a pro-Russian stance, saying that Athens wants to increase cooperation with Russia in energy and other areas.

Tsipras has called for the economic anti-Russia sanctions to be lifted, claiming that the measures are counterproductive.

Press conference with @PutinRF_Eng to begin shortly. #Greece pic.twitter.com/IHHfleb61c

— Alexis Tsipras (@tsipras_eu) 8 апреля 2015