Vladimir Putin Points To Relation Between Greek History And Russian Culture

Vladimir Putin, visiting the Acropolis in the Greek capital on Friday, pointed to close relation between ancient and subsequent Greek history and Russian culture. Answering journalists' questions, he said that ancient Greece and the subsequent history of this country, connected with the Orthodox Church, had always been studied with great respect in Russia, starting from the secondary school. "There is hardly any other country where Greek history is given as much attention as in Russia," Vladimir Putin emphasised. He has noted that, despite all historical difficulties, the Greeks always carefully preserved and restored monuments of their culture, which "belong to all mankind." "Such a careful attitude to our common culture evokes admiration and gratitude," the Russian president said. During his visit to the Acropolis, Vladimir Putin was accompanied by Greece's minister of culture who showed him around the place.