Against the background of Ankara’s aggressive policy in the Eastern Mediterranean, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov paid an official visit to Athens, where he met with his Greek counterpart, as well as with the former and current prime ministers of the country.

This is the third meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries throughout this year. Good neighbourly relations between Athens and Moscow broke down in summer 2018, when it became known, that the employees of the Russian Embassy in Athens tried to bribe high-ranking officials and businessman to prevent the conclusion of an agreement between Greece and Macedonia on the settlement of the dispute over the name of Macedonia. The incident was then followed by the expulsion of diplomats and exchange of sharp statements by the foreign ministries of the two countries. So far both sides try to get out of this diplomatic crisis, to which such frequent meetings are aimed. Lavrov notes that bilateral relations are currently “good, but not without problems”.

Discussions on economic issues focused on the impact of Covid-19 and the elimination of its negative economic consequences, among which was the reduction of the country’s trade turnover. According to the Federal Customs Service of Russia, Russian-Greek trade turnover decreased by 16,1% between January-July 2020, compared to the same period of last year.

Turkey Becomes a Travel Agent for Jihadists

B esides discussing economic issues, a special reference to Turkey’s aggressive behavior was made. When talking about Turkey’s encroachments in the Mediterranean, Dendias stressed that Ankara tries to realize its Neo-Ottoman ideology under the guise of religion. During the meeting with Lavrov, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also referred to Turkey stressing that Ankara violates international law undermining peace in many sensitive parts of the map. In this regard, Sergey Lavrov stated that he sees the solution of this problem only through negotiations. He called to take measures as soon as possible to defuse tensions and move to the settlement of all the problems arising, as well as to offer Moscow’s help, if it is in the interests of Russia’s counterparts. According to some orientalists, Turkey is keen on involving Russia in the conflict with Greece and Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean as a mediator, as Moscow and Ankara have rich experience in negotiations.

In addition, On October 22, the Russian Foreign Ministry posted a video on its Facebook account, reminding of their victory over the Ottoman Empire in the Mediterranean in 1827, with which they helped Greece to gain independence. Turkish press called it a rebuke to Turkey during ongoing tensions in the eastern Mediterranean.

During the meeting they also touched upon the Artsakh war provoked by Turkey. The Greek Foreign Minister who has recently been to Armenia to get acquainted with the situation in Karabakh, expressed his concern over this issue. Lavrov also referred to Artsakh, emphasizing Russia’s role in the OSCE Minsk Group.

Dendias stressed that Ankara plays a negative role in Syria, undermining the achieved success made in the international fight against ISIS. He also called Turkey a travel agent for jihadists who are sent to different fronts. It is obvious that the Greek politician also meant Karabakh.