MILAN, June 10. /TASS/. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has said that even at the current no easy moment in world affairs Russia and Italy stand side by side in addressing global problems.

"These days the international situation is a no easy one, but we [Russia and Italy] stand side by side in the face of global challenges, including the nuclear threat," Renzi said at a special ceremony opening Russia Day at the World Exhibition Expo 2015, attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Renzi is certain that traditionally firm relations will serve as a basis for strengthening partnership. In part, he mentioned the forthcoming major international event in Russia in 2018 - the World Football Cup.

"We will keep working together to address issues on the basis of old-standing ties. Russia Day here at Expo-2015 serves this purpose.

Putin said at the ceremony that Russia and Italy were major partners respecting each other’s interests.

"Russia and Italy share the closest relations," Putin said. He recalled that "the history of trading, humanitarian and cultural contacts was more than five centuries’ long."

"Italy today is our major trading partner in Europe, a major investor into the Russian economy. We interact in the international scene and do our utmost to accommodate and respect each other’s interests," Putin said.