Putin says he wants Rome to help mend Moscow-EU ties
(VOVWORLD) - Bilateral relations between Italy and Russia are excellent despite differences between Russia and the EU, said Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Italy on Thursday.
 Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte attend a joint news conference in Rome, Italy July 4, 2019. (Photo: REUTERS/Yara Nardi) |
The two leaders discussed ties, the future of relations between Russia and the EU, and the possibility of lifting EU sanctions on Russia. Conte said Italy believes Russia can play a crucial role in resolving regional conflicts.
Putin said he hopes Italy will explain to the EU the damage that has been caused by the economic sanctions imposed by the EU and the US after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula in 2014. Conte said Italy will act as far as possible to help restore a full relationship between Russia and the EU.