Greek, Russian Energy Ministers to Meet on March 29-30

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Greek Energy Minister Panagiotis Lafazanis will pay official visit to Moscow on March 29-30 to discuss bilateral energy cooperation with his Russian counterpart Alexander Novak, energy giant Gazprom's CEO Alexei Miller and senior government officials, Greek Energy Ministry said on Saturday.

The visit comes at the invitation of Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak, and just a week before Greek Prime Minister's Alexis Tsipras official visit to Moscow. Athanasios Petrakos, a parliamentary representative of the Syriza ruling party, is also expected to take part in the Greek delegation.

"On Monday, [Panagiotis] Lafazanis is to discuss energy issues with [Alexander] Novak. The discussion will focus on bilateral cooperation in the sphere of energy. Lafazanis will also meet Gazprom Chief Executive Alexei Miller, Russian State Duma and government representatives," — the press office of the Ministry told RIA Novosti.

The sides are expected to negotiate over the gas supply issue as well as the construction of two hydroelectric power plants. After two Russian power plant projects on the river Aheloos "Pefkofito" and "Sikya" have been closed over the Greek ecologists' concerns, Russia seeks to receive from Athens an alternative offer.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is expected to visit Moscow on April 8 following an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin.