A friendship built on close ties

Kathimerini met with Vladimir Yakunin, a doctor of political science and chairman of the Dialogue of Civilizations Research Institute, in October at the Rhodes Forum, which has been taking place annually since 2002 under his leadership. On the occasion of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras's visit to Moscow, Kathimerini caught up with Yakunin again for an overview of Greek-Russia ties and their prospects.

Last September, Russia and Greece celebrated the 190th anniversary of full diplomatic relations. How would you describe the current state of affairs in this historical relationship?

Greece and Russia have historically had very close ties and have much in common. Both countries share the same religion and a deeply intertwined history. Both nations are integral part of Europe, and due to their location and history are also bridges to other cultures...