ROME, May 18. /TASS/. Russia is the most important economic and strategic partner for Italy, above all, in resolving international crises, the would-be Italian coalition government, which includes the Five Star Movement and the League political party, said in its program made public on Friday.
Its Foreign Policy section states that "while reaffirming membership in the North Atlantic Alliance with the United States as a privileged ally, Russia should be considered the most important economic and commercial partner rather than a threat." "In light of this, the sanctions imposed on Russia should be removed, while that country should be seen as strategically important for resolving regional crises (Syria, Libya, Yemen)," the program reads.
According to the Five Star Movement and League, Russia "poses no military threat but is a partner with huge potential for NATO and the EU, which also plays an important role in the Mediterranean Region facing instability: Islamic extremism, uncontrolled migration flow and tensions between regional players. Italy needs to step up cooperation in the fight against terrorism with Russia," the program runs.
The document was signed by two "guarantors", namely, leaders of the Five Star Movement and League Luigi di Maio and Matteo Salvini who continue working on the composition of the potential future government. The final decision on the mandate to form the Cabinet will be made by President Sergio Mattarella.