Vladimir Putin holds talks with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi

Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in Moscow yesterday. The president's press service told Rosbalt that during the talks Putin said 'economic and humanitarian ties are actively developing between Russia and Italy and relations are of a privileged character.'

Moreover, the two leaders discussed perspectives for the mutual activity of Russia and the EU during the time that Italy chairs the EU and also complex questions connected with the enlargement of the EU and the move to a non-visa regime between Russia and the EU. In addition, the agenda for the day also focused on settling the conflict between Israel and Palestine and the restoration of post-war Iraq.