It is vital to keep channels of dialogue open with Russia at all times, Italy's foreign minister Angelino Alfano told 'The Transatlantic Forum on Russia' in Rome on Friday.
"We must keep the relationship with Russia alive. It is an inevitable road," Alfano said.
"The NATO-Russia Council was formed at Pratica di Mare in 2002 to keep dialogue open, even at the most difficult moments," Alfano added.
He called dialogue between Russia and the Transatlantic Alliance "absolutely strategic".
"It is indispensable that this channel always remains open," especially given the dimensions of global security and the fight against terrorism in which Moscow plays a crucial role, he said.
Italy will in 2018 chair the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe to which Russia belongs, Alfano noted.
