MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes that Russia and Greece "will continue to build up a multifaceted dialogue and implement joint plans together," the Russian leader wrote in an article published in the Greek Kathimerini daily ahead of a visit to Athens.

"I am confident that friendly Russian-Greek relations are our common heritage, a solid foundation for long-term, future-oriented partnership", Putin wrote. According to him, Moscow was "values centuries-old traditions of friendship that have developed between our peoples."

According to the Russian leader, "The common civilizational values, Orthodox culture, sincere sympathy create a solid foundation for cooperation." He cited as an example the case of "close intertwining of human destinies - the life of Ioannis Kapodistrias, who in the 19th century was the Russian minister of foreign affairs, and then - the Greek head of state."

The president said that the celebration of the 1000th anniversary of Russian monks’ presence on the holy Mount Athos is a landmark event of this year. "During very different historical epochs, the spiritual strength, faith, patriotism helped our peoples to overcome hardships, preserve their identity," Putin said.