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Italian minister considers EU important political, economic partner of Russia

Emma Bonino: it is necessary to talk with Moscow and Kiev in order to solve several problems and overcome obstacles

ROME, November 25, 17:14 /ITAR-TASS/. The EU is an important political and economic partner for Russia as Moscow is for Italy, Italian Foreign Minister Emma Bonino said ahead of Russian-Italian interstate consultations.

In an interview with Piccolo daily on Monday, Bonino said, “A bias dialogue is the gauge of our future relations. If we insist on disagreements, this won’t help us settle them.”

The Italian minister said she was sure that the strengthening of the dialogue with Russia during Italy’s presidency in the EU would give an impetus to searching for solutions to such problems as the energy package, trade liberalization and easing visa requirements.

Commenting on Ukraine’s prospects for signing the Association Agreement with the European Union, Bonino said, “The Agreement was and is Kiev’s choice. Ukrainians should assess how rapprochement with the European Union combines with relations with Moscow that are key significance for geopolitics and energy.”

“It is necessary to talk with Moscow and Kiev in order to solve several problems and overcome obstacles,” the Italian minister said.

During the presidency in the EU, Italy seeks to promote the South Stream project, which “can create the base for the dialogue between Moscow and the European Union”.