Mr Putin remarked that he was glad to make the acquaintance of an influential politician and a member of the well-known political dynasty. He recalled that Mr Karamanlis’ uncle had once been a Greek Prime Minister.
He stressed that Russian-Greek relations were above party lines and the people of both countries supported their development. The Russian head of state pointed out that the treaty underpinning bilateral relations had been signed when the New Democracy party was in office. The President said friendly relations between the two countries would continue to be a priority.
See also
Official Visit to Greece
December 6 − 8, 2001