Area: 17,075,400 km²
Population: 143,300,000 (2002 census)
Constitution: Adopted by the 1993 referendum
Parliamentary System:

• State Duma (Lower Parliament) 450 deputies 
• Federation Council (Upper Parliament) 178 deputies (two from each of the 89 Republics and Regions of the Russian Federation)

President: Vladimir PUTIN (from May 2000, re-elected in March 2004 with 72.2%)
Prime Minister: M. Fradkov
Foreign Minister: S. Lavrov

Main political parties

Party	Percentage (07.12.2003 parliamentary elections)
United Russia	37.57 %
Communist Party of the Russian Federation	12.61%
Liberal Democratic Party	11.45 %
Fatherland	9.02 %
Yabloko	4.34 %
Union of Right Forces	3.96%

Greek-Russian relations
Introductory remarks
Greek-Russian relations date back to the 10th century. The two countries are linked by strong bonds of friendship, which are built, inter alia, on the common Christian Orthodox faith, on the same spiritual and cultural values, as well as on common historical experiences.

Today, bilateral political relations are characterized by a spirit of close cooperation and mutual confidence. Furthermore, there is long-term cooperation on economic and energy issues, while in the cultural field the ingenuity and the rich culture of both peoples bring them closer together.
Another important factor contributing to the overall development of the excellent relations between the two countries relates to the historical presence of a significant number of Russian citizens of Greek origin, living mostly in southern Russia.

Political relations

The exchange of visits at the highest level (official visit of the Greek President Mr. C. Stephanopoulos and working visit of the former Prime Minister Mr. C. Simitis to Moscow, June 2000 and July 2001, respectively - the official visit of the Russian President to Athens, December 2001 and the working visit of the Prime Minister Mr. C. Karamanlis to Moscow, December 2004), as well as the frequent contacts between the Foreign Ministries, confirm the current high level of political relations.

The above mentioned working visit of Mr. C. Karamanlis (7 to 9 December 2004), was the first official bilateral visit of a Greek PM to Moscow in the last twelve years. Mr. Karamanlis met with President Vladimir Putin, with Prime Minister A. Fradkov, with President of the Federal Assembly S. Mironov, with Mayor of Moscow Y. Luzhkov and with Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II.

Among those participating in the visit were Minister of State T. Roussopoulos and the Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Y. Valinakis, P. Skandalakis and E. Stylianidis.

During the official talks both sides reconfirmed the high level of the political relations, as well as the traditionally friendly ties between the two peoples. Of particular interest was the exploration of possibilities for further development of the bilateral economic cooperation as well as cooperation in the energy field.
In connection with international politics, it should be pointed out that both countries have close or even identical views on important international issues. Particular emphasis was placed to the participation of Greece in the Security Council of the United Nations for the period 2005-2006.

Prime Minister Karamanlis and President Putin signed three official texts (in greek and russian language): "Joint Declaration for the further strengthening of  relations of friendship and multilateral cooperation ", "Joint Declaration for the Fight against Terrorism " and "Action Plan for the years 2005-2006 ". The  two parties consider that the signing of these texts not only represents a further proof of the excellent level of the bilateral cooperation, but also sets goals in new sectors, such as the emerging threats facing international society.

Economic relations

In the economic field, the dynamism observed in the Greek and the Russian economies is reflected in bilateral trade, which has increased significantly in the last ten years. It should be noted, nevertheless, that there is huge potential for further enhancement of Greek-Russian economic relations. The total amount of bilateral trade was €2,68 billion in 2003 (Greek exports to Russia: €297,5 mill.; imports: €2,38 bill.).

Greek imports from Russia consist mainly of raw materials and, in particular, oil, natural gas, iron, steel, aluminium, copper and timber. Greece exports to Russia mainly furs, fruits and vegetables, olive oil, olives, wines, aluminium, bauxite, marble etc.

As far as investments are concerned, 50 enterprises of Greek interest are active in Russia (total invested capital, $69.2 million). According to Russian data, 128
Greek-Russian joint ventures have been registered, which are active mainly in the fields of trade, agriculture, industry, services, tourism, construction, energy, transport and technology.

Bilateral cooperation is coordinated by a Joint Inter-ministerial Commission on Economic, Industrial and Technological Cooperation.

Defence Cooperation

Cooperation between Greece and Russia in the field of defence is developing. During the last years, several visits took place, the most important of which were the visit of the Russian Minister of Defence, Mr. S. Ivanov, to Greece (April 2002) the visit of the former Greek Minister of Defence, Mr. Papantoniou, to Russia (June 2003) and the visit of the Minister of Defence, Mr. S. Spiliotopoulos (November 2004).

Energy Sector

Russia and Greece promote a genuine relationship, which could constitute a model of cooperation in South-Eastern Europe. The construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline, with the participation of Russia, is of vital importance in this regard.

Cultural Relations

There is excellent cooperation between the two countries in the field of culture. During recent years, several exhibitions, concerts, scientific congresses, literary presentations, publications and other important cultural events have been organized in Russia and in Greece.

Bilateral Agreements

The conventional framework covers almost all aspects of cooperation between the two countries (political, economic, defence, energy, cultural etc). The following agreements are of particular interest: Friendship and Cooperation, Military Cooperation, Avoidance of Double Taxation, Shipping, Air Transport, Cooperation in the Fuel and Energy Sector.

EU-Russia relations

For information about European Union-Russia relations, please click here.

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