On July 5, 2013 in the framework of the working visit to the Region of Nothern Greece Ambassador of Ukraine to the Hellenic Republic Volodymyr Shkurov held meetings with Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikosta, the Governor of Central Macedonia, Mr. Yannis Butaris, Major of Thessaloniki, and the Metropolitan of Thessaloniki Anthimos.

Issues of development of Ukrainian-Greek regional collaboration, strengthening of communications between Orthodox Churches of Ukraine and Greece, and conducting of joint cultural events, in particular, the presentation of the exhibitions of art Petrykivka "Petrykivka Painting – Color of Traditions" in September this year were discussed during negotiations.

The Sides noted that Ukraine and the region of Central Macedonia have joint interests and the high potential for cooperation in such dynamic areas as economy, tourism, culture and religious cooperation.