Italy's Berlusconi hosts Russia's Putin for talks

Apr 26, 2010, 10:25 GMT

Lesmo, Italy - Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin were scheduled later Monday to hold talks focusing on bilateral economic cooperation.

Putin, who arrived in Italy late Sunday, stayed overnight at Berlusconi's private residence in Arcore near Milan.

The two leaders, who are close personal friends, were set to move to Villa Gernetto in the town of Lesmo, also near Milan, for their formal talks. A joint news conference was also planned.

The meeting's agenda includes cooperation between energy giants ENI of Italy and Russia's Gazprom.

The two companies are the main partners in the South Stream gas pipeline project to transport Russian natural gas to the Black Sea, to Bulgaria and further to Italy and Austria.

Talks are also likely to focus on the automotive industry, including a partnership between Russia's Sollers and Italy's Fiat. Another partnership could be discussed in the airline industry, between Italy's Alitalia and Russia's Aeroflot airlines.

Berlusconi and Putin are also expected to sign a protocol of intent for the creation of a fusion reactor in Russia, Italian government officials said.

Also on the agenda is an agreement for Russian support of the reconstruction of two monuments in the central Italian city L'Aquila, which last year was devastated by an earthquake.