Greek PM did not request financial aid during Moscow talks
希臘總理莫斯科會(huì)談未要求經(jīng)濟(jì)援助

Russian President Vladimir Putin has met Greek prime minister, Alexis Tsipras, for talks in Moscow. Contrary to speculation, Tsipras apparently didn't ask Russia for financial aid. Greece is currently in the midst of tough negotiations with EU creditors over its economic reforms, and many analysts thought the country might turn to Russia as a substitute. Tom Barton reports from Moscow.

Both leaders looked relaxed as the Kremlin started started. But Prime minster Tsipras' government could run out of funds within weeks.

"Between 2009 and 2013 the turnover between our countries had grown more then twice. But unfortunately last year it decreased by 40 per cent at once. That's why of course I believe that your visit could not have come at a better time because we have to analyse what we both could do to restore the previous growth rate," Putin said.

Some Greek officials have pointed to Russia as a possible source of additional finance.

There was talks of the possibility of Greece becoming the supply hub for Russian natural gas.But Athens did not ask Moscow for financial help.Russia's economy has been weakened by fallen oil prices and sanctions over its actions in Ukraine.

The two discussed ties between the EU and Russia which have worsened over the Ukraine crisis.

"The goal of my visit is for us together to try to give a new momentum to our relations so that both nations would benefit from it and in favor of stability and security in the region," Tsipras said.

European Parliament President Martin Schulz warned Mr Tsipras not to break with the EU line amid worries the Kremlin could benefit from differences in Brussels over sanctions.