“Russia sees Greece as a very important partner with potential,” said Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev as he welcomed his Greek counterpart Alexis Tsipras at the government’s Reception Hall in Moscow on Thursday. Speaking to Tsipras, Medvedev expressed optimism that “apart from the political parameter of your visit, I hope there will be other [practical] results” and called on him to present the open bilateral issues of economic cooperation between the two countries, which were discussed between the delegations. On his part, Tsipras called his meeting with President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday as “very significant,” saying that the base has been set for restarting the relations between the two countries. He also noted those relations “have very deep roots of course” as the feelings of friendship and brotherhood between the two peoples are a given. “However, it was necessary to give a new push to those relations by discussing a number of sectors, like energy, trade, tourism and culture,” the Greek Premier said, noting that “we are certain and happy because this effort will be successful and that on 2016 we will organize an excellent Greek-Russian year that will benefit both countries and people, especially in deepening our relations.” Tsipras also added that improved relations between Greece and Russia will also create the conditions for deeper and more stable relations in the region. (Source: ANA-MPA)