A Russian-Italian Economic Forum opened in Moscow yesterday. The meeting was not cancelled in spite of the devastating earthquake that had hit Italy (the participants had arrived in Moscow before the disaster struck). Only Prime Minister Berlusconi cancelled his visit. Originally Mr Berlusconi and Mr Putin were to attend the forum together. In the event, the Russian Prime Minister came alone.
"I would like to offer my words of condolences and express my solidarity with the Italian people," Mr Putin said at the beginning of his speech. "This has been an enormous tragedy. We understand the decision of the Italian Prime Minister, our good friend Mr Berlusconi, who of course has to be in the country at this difficult time."
Mr Putin recalled that Italian businessmen were Europe's pioneers in developing relations with Russia. He further mentioned major joint projects between Russia and Italy. Gazprom and Italy's ENI will build the South Stream gas pipeline to Europe. LUKoil has acquired a stake in an oil refinery in Sicily. But the most successful project is the joint civilian aircraft Superjet-100 which, Mr Putin promised, will be certified this year.
The Russian Prime Minister encouraged the Italian guests to develop cooperation with Russian regions, especially with small and medium-sized enterprises.
He concluded his speech by saying ‘thank you' in Italian: "Grazie."
Larisa Viktorova