Putin: Russia and Italy understand necessity of removing visa barriers

Russia and Italy understand the necessity of removing visa barriers, Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters following his talks with Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi.

"Russia and Italy understand the necessity of removing the visa barriers and ensuring a real freedom of contacts between people on the European continent," the Russian President said.

According to him, a visa-free regime between Russia and the European Union is not a question on today's agenda. "But our close cooperation in this sphere can and must bring closer the solution of this problem," the head of the Russian state disclosed.

"We hope that the Russia - EU summit will be an important stage in accomplishing strategic tasks for rapprochement between Russia and the European Union, for the creation of common spaces in the economy, trade, internal and external security, freedom and justice, science and culture," Vladimir Putin pointed out.

Speaking about bilateral relations, the Russian President underscored the consistency and advance in all spheres - political, economic, scientific, cultural and humanitarian.

The head of the Russian state invited the Italian President to pay an official visit to Russia at any time convenient for both sides.