Putin to discuss bilateral cooperation with Berlusconi

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is arriving in Moscow today on a two-day working visit at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the course of negotiations the sides are expected to discuss prospects of expanding Russian-Italian cooperation in various spheres. It is supposed that the two presidents will discuss development of economic relations, increase of investments and joint projects in the spheres of energy and high tech. Probably, questions of simplification of procedures of visa issuing to Russian and Italian citizens will be discussed.

As reported earlier, an agreement on simplified visa procedures has been already signed between Russia and Germany, a similar agreement with France is being prepared. In addition, Putin and Berlusconi are planning to pay special attention to a wide range of international problems, primarily related to ensuring security in Europe and in the world. In this context, the sides will discuss issues of fighting terrorism, settling conflicts in the Middle East, the situation in Iraq, Afghanistan and on the Balkans.