You're reading: Putin: Russian-Italian projects develop in spite of global economic turbulence

Bocharov Ruchei, Sochi - Russia-Italy relations are strengthening and developing regardless of changes in both countries and the world at large, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti on Monday.

“We are living through difficult times, and that is particularly obvious in Europe. We have a very amicable and profound relationship with Italy, and it develops irrespective of changes in the world and in our countries,” he said.

Bilateral trade grew by more than 25% to $45.9 billion last year, Putin said.

“There is a small gap of $7 bn for catching up with the pre-crisis level. If the tempo is unchanged, we can reach that amount soon,” Putin said.

Italy has the biggest number of agreements with Russian regions and plenty of joint projects, the president said. “Despite the current global economic turbulence, all of our joint projects are alive; they are developing successfully,” he said.

“Bearing in mind the vast relations and their large importance for the Russian and Italian economies, we are very glad to see you. Besides, we have an extremely amicable attitude to your country,” he added.

Monti thanked Putin for the meeting and the invitation to Russia. “On the Italian part, we would like to assure you of the huge strategic significance we assign to the relations with Russia,” he said.

These relations were of huge importance for the previous Italian government, too, he added.

Italy intends to carry on the relations, Monti said.

“The hard situation Europe, including the eurozone, is passing through, shows that it is necessary to strengthen economic and industrial ties, and Russia is the starting point of these relations,” he said.

He noted that the Russian president was doing a lot for the development of Russia and its relations with other countries.

Putin thanked Monti for the rapid response to the invitation to visit Russia.