At summit talks President Putin of Russia and Prime Minister Sivio Berlusconi of Italy discussed the future of Russia-EU relations during Italy’s presidency of the EU Council in late 2003.
Both leaders focused on preparations for the Russia-EU summit in November 2003 and specific agreements to elevate Russia-EU relations to an entirely new level of strategic partnership. Mr Putin and Mr Berlusconi also discussed the consequences of EU expansion, the possible introduction of visa-free travel between Russia and Italy and expedited bilateral talks on Russia’s accession into the World Trade Organisation.
Mr Putin and Mr Berlusconi exchanged opinions on key international issues, namely, the reconstruction of Iraq, efforts to settle the crisis in the Middle East, the situation on the Korean Peninsula and regional conflicts.
Both sides discussed preparations for President Putin’s Italian visit, scheduled for November 2003 and focused on all aspects of multi-faceted bilateral relations. Mr Putin and Mr Berlusconi examined trade and economic and energy cooperation, joint projects in the EU market, humanitarian and cultural dialogue, as well as expanded contacts between Russian and Italian citizens.
After the talks, President Putin and Prime Minister Berlusconi made statements to the press and replied to journalists’ questions.
President Putin praised the results of the summit. Both leaders told reporters that both sides wanted Russia to become part of a Greater Europe. They also confirmed the intentions of Moscow and Brussels to amend visa regulations for Russian citizens.
The Russian President stressed that international relations must stand on a solid legal base and that the UN must play a central role in this respect. President Putin said he was pleased to know that Italy and Prime Minister Berlusconi supported him on this issue.
Commenting on the Iraqi issue, President Putin said Moscow did not insist on a new UN resolution, although it believed that the resolution could be passed. Mr Putin said Russia was ready to facilitate Iraq’s post-war recovery and to resolve the Iraqi problem. The Russian leader said Moscow’s stand on expanded UN efforts to stabilise the situation in Iraq remained unchanged.
President Putin told journalists that he and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon had reached an agreement on the latter’s visit to Russia, that Moscow had co-authored the Middle East road map towards peace, and that it maintained contacts with Israel and Palestine. Mr Putin praised the efforts of the US President and US diplomacy to settle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.