MOSCOW. June 6 (Interfax) – Moscow is ready to develop relations with Rome as much as Rome itself is prepared for this, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
Speaking in an interview for Il Corriere della Sera in the run-up to his visit to Italy, Putin said the two countries have developed „privileged“ and „special“ relations.
„The incumbent Prime Minister‘s visit to Russia sent a very important message showing that Italy is willing to develop these relations,“ Putin said.
„It is only natural that this does not go unnoticed either by the Government of the Russian Federation or by the public,“ he said.
„We are, of course, ready to reciprocate and go further in expanding our cooperation as long as our Italian partners are willing to do the same,“ Putin said.
The Russian leader said he hoped his upcoming visit to Milan would help in this respect.