Vladimir Putin: Russian-Italian Cooperation is Developing Favorably

Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that cooperation between Italy and Russia is developing favorably. He expressed his opinion on Monday at a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi held at his country residence in Zavidovo.

The Russian Head of State noted Berlusconi's contribution to the development of the Russian-Italian economic cooperation. According to Putin, the mutual trade turnover has reached $10 billion, the banking sector is undergoing a relatively good period; besides, Russian specialists are "actively working out" Berlusconi's proposals on developing small-scale and medium business.

The Italian Prime Minister agreed with the Russian President that the relations between the two countries are "developing well," however, he noted that there was still room for improvement for Moscow and Rome in that area.