JAKARTA - President Vladimir Putin assessed that Italy has an important role in Russia's relations with Europe, and mentioned developing joint weapons with China in a year-end press statement on Thursday.
"We have spoken with (Italian Prime Minister) Mr (Mario) Draghi many times on the phone. We are in touch with him, in a friendly and constructive atmosphere, on a number of issues, which are of interest to Italy in the sphere of developing economic relations," President Putin said, as quoted by TASS December 23.
"And, of course, in this sense, I mean the friendly nature and level of our relations, Italy may play a role in the normalization of Russia-EU relations and even in terms of the expected talks between Russia and NATO," he added.
When asked about Russia's relations with Italy under Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, President Putin stressed that the two countries have good and stable relations.
"As far as I feel, Russia's relations with Italy can be characterized if not as exemplary but as good and stable. I think they have a supra-party nature and do not depend on the power, which reigns in Italy, in the Italian government," President Putin said.
"In any case, we continue what was started by (former Italian Prime Minister) Mr (Silvio) Berlusconi, who was the initiator to strengthen relations, say, between Russia and NATO. He initiated several long-term projects, including, by Cara, which is in the scope of small and medium enterprises," said President Putin.
According to the Russian Leader, (the relationship) continues regardless of which political power is in power now or then. Italy is a member of NATO and the European Union, but that is not considered an obstacle.
On the same occasion, President Putin mentioned that Russia and China are jointly developing high-tech weapons as they cooperate in the security field.
"We cooperate (with China) in the security field. China's armed forces are mostly equipped with the most advanced weapons systems," he said.
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"We even jointly develop certain types of high-tech weapons. We work together in outer space, aircraft areas. On planes and helicopters," he explained.
He added that the armed forces of the two countries are also cooperating, including holding joint exercises.
"These are joint exercises, participation in joint international war games, joint patrols at sea and in the air. Russia and China have a "truly comprehensive strategic partnership," he concluded.
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