Berlusconi, Putin Hold Talks In Sochi

29 August 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi will hold talks today in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi.

The Italian prime minister arrived in Russia on 28 August for a three-day working visit.

Putin and Berlusconi are expected to focus on bilateral ties and strengthening economic cooperation during today's meeting.

Trade over the first six months this year between Russia and Italy grew by more than 50 percent over the same time period in 2004.

(ITAR-TASS)