Mayor of Athens Kostas Bakoyannis conferred the Athens Municipality Gold Medal of Honour on the Russian Prime Minister ‘For special Contribution to the winning of independence by Greece and relations of friendship and cooperation between Greece and Russia.’
A conversation with the Mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakoyannis
Mikhail Mishustin’s remarks at the
ceremony:
Esteemed Mr Bakoyannis, ladies and gentlemen,
Presentation of the Athens Municipality’s Gold Medal of Honour ‘For special Contribution to the winning of independence by Greece and relations of friendship and cooperation between Greece and Russia.’
I would like to thank you for awarding me with the Athens Municipality’s Gold Medal of
Honour. This is a special honour. I say this without exaggeration.
Russia understands
and values Greece’s
contribution to the world’s treasury of civilisation. Obviously, your country has
exerted tremendous influence on our history. This includes aesthetic
foundations in architecture and painting, and it includes poetry and
philosophy. Greek scientists established the first higher educational
institution in Moscow – the Slavic Greek Latin Academy.
In turn, Russia
supported the people of Greece
in their liberation struggle. Their courage inspired our poets. You mentioned Alexander
Pushkin – he called the beginning of the Greek revolution the wonderful minutes
of hope and freedom.
A number of Russian Greeks became outstanding
political and economic leaders in independent Greece. Thus, its first ruler Ioannes Kapodistrias was previously the
Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire. All this confirms
that we are linked by deep historical and spiritual ties that are rooted in the
distant past.
Today, Greece
is an important partner for our country in Europe.
Common views on fundamental values, traditions of friendship and understanding
create very good opportunities for cooperation between us in many diverse
areas. I urge my Greek colleagues to promote our dialogue and contact between
our capitals – Athens and Moscow. I know that an exchange of views will
be very important for us and is of mutual interest.
My friends, I would like to thank you again for this
symbolic gesture. I value our trust very much and wish you success in your work
for the benefit of the Greek capital and its residents. I wish all good things and
prosperity to your wonderful country.
I am grateful to you for the warm reception of the
Russian delegation. Thank you.
