ATHENS (Sputnik) – The outlet singled out Putin’s remark made at joint statements with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras as unique in the face of customary safety measures and traffic arrangements during official visits.
"I am thankful to the people of Athens for the warm reception and ask their forgiveness for certain problems that may have been created," Putin was quoted as saying by the news247.gr online news outlet late Friday.
Russia and Greece celebrate 2016 as a cross-cultural year, marking the millennial anniversary since the first Russian settlement on the Holy Mount Athos.
Putin, on his second and last day of the trip, is at the monastic center of Holy Mount Athos to commemorate 1,000 years of Russian presence at the site.
