Italian President Supports Maintaining Communication Channels With Russia

It is of major importance to promote political dialogue with Russia, Italian President Sergio Mattarella said Tuesday.

ROME (Sputnik) — It is necessary to keep all the channels for political dialogue with Russia open to avoid further escalation of tension with Moscow, Italian President Sergio Mattarella said Tuesday.

"Enhancing military presence… in Eastern Europe should be accompanied by political dialogue at the top level. To avoid further escalation of tension with Russia, we need to keep all the channels of communication open, starting with the NATO-Russia Council," Mattarella said in an interview with La Stampa newspaper.

According to the president, Italy shares concerns of its allies regarding Russia, however, it doubts the problems can be only solved by actions that lead to further aggravation of tension.

"Our goal is to promote dialogue and encourage responsible behavior of all the stakeholders, " Mattarella told La Stampa newspaper.

NATO has been increasing its military presence in Eastern Europe and the Black Sea since the outbreak of the conflict in southeastern Ukraine in April 2014, in response to what it considers to be Russia's aggressive foreign policy.

Moscow has repeatedly dismissed the Ukraine-related accusations leveled at it, warning that increased NATO activities near the country's borders could undermine regional and global stability.