In his first visit to Atlantic Canada, Russian Ambassador Alexander Darchiev visited a Dartmouth Legion on Friday handing medals to two veteran sailors and the family of three others who served on the Murmansk run — a deadly mid-winter convoy that carried to supplies to Russia during the Second World War.

"We are grateful for your heroic deeds," Darchiev told the legion hall.

Afterwords he likened that situation to the present challenges faced by Canada and Russia.

"It stresses that Russia and Canada were allies during the war and the experience they had at that time, I especially believe, is needed nowadays when we face terrible threats, the threat of international terrorism," he said in an interview with CBC News.

"Russia, Canada, the United States and Europe should join efforts to fight the common enemy the way they have done it during the Second World War."

Strained relations

His visit, however, comes at a time when relations between Canada and Russia have turned distinctly unfriendly.

Canada responded to the Russian annexation of Crimea and assistance to pro-Russian rebels in Ukraine with sanctions and a suspension of contacts between governments.

Still for the sailors and family members assembled at the Somme branch legion, Darchiev's awarding of the Admiral Ushakov medal was appreciated.

"They didn't have to ask me twice."

Jason Winn travelled from Ontario to accept on behalf of his grandfather Harold "Hip" McNairn, an able seaman on board HMCS Huron.

"I wished he was here, that was what I was thinking. And a sense of pride," Winn said.

Sailors recall convoy dangers

The medal ceremony brought back memories for sailors Nicholas McRobie and Albert Smith.

The route was so dangerous it could only take place in winter months.

"You could only go there in the dark or you'd have no chance at all with the German airforce and submarines," Smith, a navy sailor, said.

"Germans would come out of nowhere and dive bomb you," gunner McRobie said.

The medal ceremony was not the only event on the ambassador's calendar in Nova Scotia.

Darchiev was also briefed today by Russian officials participating in a meeting in Halifax of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation. Both Canada and Russia are members.

"It's important we continue to keep dialogue between the two countries at all venues," Darchiev said.

Friday's visit was very low key. CBC was initally told the ambassador would not be doing interviews.

The visit is part of an introductory tour of Canada by the Russian ambassador. His next stop is St John's and Labrador.