Vladimir Putin begins a two-day visit to Greece. Today the Russian President will meet with his Greek counterpart and with the Prime Minister. The main theme of the talks is the economy. In addition, much attention Putin will pay cultural relations. During the visit he plans to visit mount Athos.

The forthcoming visit of Vladimir Putin in Athens made a lot of noise in the world media. Formally the leaders of Greece and Russia have every reason to discuss bilateral relations, but many people think that the speech today will focus not only on culture and tourism, from Athens today will come the most important economic news. Vladimir Putin in his article published in the Greek newspaper "Kathimerini" says that Russia has always advocated the diversification of routes of energy transportation, developing routes, that Greece considers as strategic energoaparatura. We are talking about the project "South stream", which is the fault of the EU was stopped, but still in need of many countries of Europe.

The Greeks in favor of its resuscitation in one form or another. In February in Rome by heads "Gazprom" the Italian company Edison and Greek DEPA signed a Memorandum of understanding in respect of the supply of Russian gas under the Black sea through third countries in Greece and Italy. All waiting for today in Athens will be known for something specific. In addition to gas, which in the course of the visit can be a key issue, Russia and Greece to discuss economic cooperation.

Another event in the framework of the visit Putin's visit to the Holy mount Athos on the occasion of the Millennium of the presence of Russian monasticism. First, the President of Russia will visit the Church of the assumption of the blessed virgin Mary, then meet with members of the Holy Kinot - the governing body of mount Athos and visit the Russian Svyato-Panteleymonov monastery, where in the presence of the Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia, was held. Before leaving, Putin and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will open the exhibition of one masterpiece - the Museum of Byzantine and Christian art brought the icon "Ascension of Christ" by Andrei Rublev. This assignment is one of the key events in the framework of the "Cross-year". Several bilateral meetings, bilateral agreement, a two - day visit of Putin, who will arrive in Athens with representatives of Russian business, is very important for both countries. On may 27-28 for Putin's visit will be followed not only by the Russian and Greek journalists to Greece sent reporters from all over the world.
sections: Politics