Italy's PM Considers St Petersburg Forum Opportunity for Russia-EU Dialogue

The upcoming St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) is an opportunity for development of dialogue between Russia and the European Union, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said Tuesday.

ROME (Sputnik) — Renzi confirmed he would participate in SPIEF on June 16-17.

"All of you are aware of the difficult Russia-EU situation. And all of you remember how we always worked to patiently resume opportunities for positions' matching, maintaining a dialogue rather than confrontation… For these reasons, our mission to Russia is an opportunity for dialogue, that I believe to be useful for a sustainable recovery of relations, which existed in the past," Renzi said in a statement to the members of Italy's ruling Democratic Party.

The Italian prime minister also noted that international community would be stronger in the fight against terrorism with Russia's participation.

The 2016 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), which is being held under the auspices of Russian President Vladimir Putin, is due to take place on June 16-18. The forum is attended annually by business representatives and officials from dozens of countries.