Italy-Russia dialogue never interrupted

(AGI) St. Petersburg, June 16 - The visit of Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi to the St. Petersburg Economic Forum on Friday "means that Italy is continuing to maintain good and strategic long-term relations with Russia", Russian Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich told AGI. "We have great mutual interests with Italy and these short-term political problems will not affect our long-term ties," he said, describing Italy's position on sanctions as "very constructive". Also co-chairman of the Italian-Russian Council for Economic, Industrial, and Financial Cooperation, Dvorkovich stressed that "dialogue has never in fact been interrupted" with Italy. "We have regular contacts at all levels. The working groups of the cooperation council are fully up and running, our companies hold talks and we expect new contracts at this forum." The Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development Carlo Calenda will bring to a close the round table between Italy and Russia, organised by "Conoscere Eurasia" ("Knowing Eurasia") at the Italian pavilion. (AGI). .