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Mr Putin and Mr Tsipras discussed a broad range of bilateral cooperation matters, especially in the trade, economic, investment, cultural and humanitarian fields. The two leaders exchanged views on the international agenda.

Following the talks, Mr Putin and Mr Tsipras signed the Joint Action Plan between the Russian Federation and the Greek Republic for 2015–2016, and a Joint Statement by the President of Russia and Prime Minister of Greece on the 70^th anniversary of Victory Day.

The Joint Statement, in particular, says that there can be no forgetting the struggle of all countries in the allied coalition and of those who fought in resistance movements in the occupied countries. There is no disputing the Great Victory’s historical significance for the entire world. Russia and Greece reaffirm their principled support for the central role of the UN and its Security Council in preserving international peace, and call on all UN member countries to refrain from the use of force in international relations. Russia and Greece also resolutely condemn attempts to falsify the history of World War II and distort the Great Victory’s significance.

Mr Putin and Mr Tsipras witnessed the signing of a Joint Memorandum on holding the Year of Russia in Greece and the Year of Greece in Russia in 2016.

The two leaders also made press statements.

Beginning of meeting with Prime Minister of Greece Alexis Tsipras

 President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister, friends, good afternoon.

 It is a great pleasure to meet you in person. We have already spoken by telephone. I am happy to welcome you to Moscow as we prepare to celebrate the Orthodox Easter. This is our shared celebration.

 In this respect, I want to mention the special nature of our relationship, the common spiritual roots that give us these special ties.

 Let me start these talks by noting that just recently, Russia was Greece’s main trade and economic partner and was in first place in terms of bilateral trade. Trade between our countries more than doubled over 2009–2013. Last year, sadly, our bilateral trade fell by 40 percent. Therefore, I think your visit is very timely, because we need to examine what we can do together to restore our trade to its previous growth rates.

 Mr Prime Minister, we are very happy to see you and we welcome you to Russia.

 Prime Minister of Greece Alexis Tsipras (retranslated): Thank you for this reception, Mr President.

 It is a great pleasure to be here in Moscow today. I was particularly moved by the opportunity I had this morning to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier close to Red Square and in this way pay my due respects to the millions of people who gave their lives for the great Victory of Europe’s peoples. As you know, my country, Greece, had the largest loss of life during the war, as a share of total population.

As you said, our nations share deep-reaching ties that have their roots in common struggles in history and in common spiritual traditions. We have always kept these ties alive regardless of changing circumstances.

 The purpose of my visit is for us to try to make a new start together and give new impetus to our relations for the good of both nations and for stability and security in the broad sense in our region.

 Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

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