SOCHI, January 23 (RIA Novosti) - Italy's prime minister arrived in the Russian resort of Sochi on the Black Sea Tuesday to hold talks with Russia's president.
Romano Prodi and Vladimir Putin are expected to hold informal talks on bilateral trade and economic relations, as well as the situations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Middle East.
Opening the talks, the Russian leader said he is satisfied with the development of Russian-Italian relations.
"We are not only increasing trade, opening up new spheres for cooperation and launching new projects, but are also working with increasing effectiveness in sensitive spheres that are important for Europe, including energy," Putin said.
Prodi said energy should be a basis of cooperation, and that the European Union should become a trusted key partner for Russia.
On international issues, the prime minister said Russia and Italy should seek scenarios that establish stable peace in volatile countries, and highlighted the need for strong and intelligent solutions.
