Russia: Moscow looking for Greek help with EU visa issue
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 30 October 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia: Moscow looking for Greek help with EU visa issue, 30 October 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/528b683f3c7.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
October 30, 2013
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Russia is looking forward to visa talks with the EU next year.
Russia's foreign minister said during a visit to Greece that Moscow was looking forward to visa talks with the European Union after Greece assumes the EU's rotating presidency in January 2014.
In his meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos on October 30, Sergei Lavrov said Moscow appreciates the "determination by our Greek friends to promote Russia-EU relations."
Lavrov said the two countries' plans to organize a "Year of Russia" in Greece and "Year of Greece" in Russia in 2016 could be the opportune time to simplify issuing visas. Lavrov also spoke about the need to improve Russia-EU ties.
His comments come as the EU is preparing to charge Russian gas giant Gazprom in an anti-trust suit and amid EU criticism of Russia's rights record.
Based on reporting by Interfax, ITAR-TASS, and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
