Italy's populist premier Giuseppe Conte's visit to Moscow on Wednesday "strengthened cooperation" between the two countries and his meeting with president Vladimir Putin was "extremely positive", Conte stated.
"This fruitful day spent together provided an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Italy and the Russian Federation in various sectors," Conte told reporters.
"Our meeting was extremely positive and confirmed the traditional ties between Italy and Russia and gave them new impetus for the future," Conte added.
Cooperation accords agreed during Conte's visit will help boost bilateral cooperation, Putin said a joint press conference with Conte after their talks.
"I am sure that the agreements reached today will favour the development of bilateral cooperation between Russia and Italy in all directions," Putin said.
Putin described the talks with Conte as "positive".
Conte also met Russian prime minister Dimitri Medvedev during his visit, as well as an Italian business delegation, together with Putin.
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