"President [Putin] and Prime Minister [Renzi[ will discuss numerous topics. They will discuss bilateral relations and ways to enhance them. They will also speak about how to turn this cooperation into a strategic partnership," the ambassador said.
However, the two officials are unlikely to discuss the issue of sanctions at the meeting, Cesare Maria Ragaglini added.
"I think, they will not speak about sanctions, because this should be addressed at the EU level, and it is on the agenda there," the ambassador said.
Moreover, Vladimir Putin and Matteo Renzi will discuss ways to address common threats, in particular, international terrorism, Ragaglini said.
"They will also talk about the international crisis and common challenges that we are facing, such as transnational terrorism," the ambassador said.
The 2016 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) is taking place on June 16-18. The agenda for SPIEF 2016, which is held at a new venue for the first time in 20 years — at the ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Centre — includes business forums of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, and the Business 20.
