Russia attaches "particular importance" to its ties with Italy and wants to develop these in a range of areas, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday in New Year greetings to the country's leaders.
"Russia gives particular importance to its relations with Italy," Putin stated in the message sent to Italy's premier Giuseppe Conte and president Sergio Mattarella.
The year drawing to a close has been "very difficult" for Russia and Italy and the rest of the world, the message noted.
"Crucially, amid the escalation of many challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia and Italy have continued to work together closely, in keeping with the tradition of friendship and mutual assistance that characterises our bilateral relations," the message went on.
Russia hopes to see the further development "of productive bilateral cooperation in different sectors as well as a collaborative partnership on international issues," the message added.
Russia-Italy cooperation should be "line with interests that are deeply rooted in both countries and the whole of Europe," the message underlined.
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