Greek president praises Russia for preventing attack on Syria
ATHENS. Oct 30 (Interfax) - Greek President Karolos Papoulias congratulated Russia on its success in preventing an attack on Syria and wished Russia success in organizing the Winter Olympics in Sochi.
"As a former foreign minister, I would like to congratulate you on your success in preventing a military conflict in Syria. I wish Russia success in its foreign policies because we are concerned about what might have happened," the Greek president said while meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Athens on Wednesday.
Lavrov, in turn, said: "No country can seek a solution to a big problem now. For this reason, we need to act collectively. We are trying to create coalitions of likeminded people and use them to resolve various problems, including the problem in Syria."
Papoulias also addressed the issue of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. "As a former athlete, as a sportsman, I wish you success in everything," he said.
Speaking about trade and economic relations, Papoulias said that they "are developing, but are not so rich as cultural and political relations," adding that he is hoping that the Russian minister's visit will help improve the situation.
Papoulias also said he is hoping the number of Russian tourists vacationing in Greece will reach the projected number, 2 million people in 2014.