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Italy hopes for Russia’s support in Mid-East crisis settlement — deputy FM

The agenda of talks with Moscow includes the Ukraine settlement and the crises in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, senior Italian diplomat said on Wednesday ahead of a visit by Italian PM

MOSCOW, 4 March. /TASS/. Italy hopes Russia will help to resolve crisis situations in the Middle East and Mediterranean, considering Moscow’s role in the international arena and the United Nations Security Council, senior diplomat said on Wednesday ahead of a visit by Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi to Russia on March 5.

Deputy Foreign Minister Lapo Pistelli said: "The agenda of talks with the Russian leadership includes two issues — the Ukraine settlement and the crises in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, including Syria and Libya."

"Considering Russia’s global role as a member of the UN Security Council and the country’s interests in the Middle East, our goal is to enlist its support in resolving the touchy problems in Libya, Syria and other countries," Pistelli said.

Prime Minister Renzi also aimed to discuss developments in Ukraine, he added.

In view of "historically and traditionally good relations" between Russia and Italy, "we hope for Moscow’s responsibility and cooperation in implementing the Minsk agreements" on Ukraine, Pistelli said.