The Putin-Berlusconi talks, which will be also attended by government members of the two countries, will take place in the Kremlin on Wednesday. According to the source, the two leaders will also discuss the Middle East settlement and other regional problems and the development of bilateral co-operation to promote Russia-EU interaction.
"They also expect to address practical aspects of strengthening the foundations of the world order and of raising the role of the UN," said the source. "The positions of Russia and Italy coincide or are similar on a wide range of acute international problems." This closeness of views "will be reflected in the Joint Statement, which is to be adopted on the results of the talks."
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday the document would cover the coincidence of views of Russia and Italy on the role of the UN in the modern world, non-proliferation, the war on terror and the situation in Iraq, as well as formulate the practical tasks of the two states in these spheres.
During his visit to Russia in October, Vice-Premier of Italy Gianfranco Fini spotlighted the closeness of views of Moscow and Rome on many issues, including security. Italy wholeheartedly supported the efforts of the Russian leadership to fight international terrorism. "The Beslan tragedy confirms that terrorism is an enemy of all nations and we must do everything possible to defeat it," said Mr Fini.
