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The Presidents discussed political interaction, in particular, on topical international issues. They highlighted both parties’ shared or close stances on many of such issues, including developments in the Balkans.

The Presidents paid major attention to economic and cultural cooperation. Thus, they discussed the implementation of such ambitious projects as FIAT-GAZ in the automotive industry, the Blue Stream in energy, and those involving RAO UES of Russia. They discussed in detail the expansion of Russia-EU partnership, and interaction within the G8, including issues connected with the upcoming summit in Okinawa.

President Vladimir Putin provided detailed information on legislative and other measures Russia intended to take to improve its investment climate. The Presidents pointed out a small scope of Italian investment in contrast to a significant bilateral trade turnover. They highlighted the chances to improve the situation, and reached agreement to place the matter on the agenda of a Russian-Italian commission meeting of July 2000.

The situation in the Balkans and in Kosovo also came under discussion. At Mr Ciampi’s request, Mr Putin told about his impressions of Moscow negotiations with US President Bill Clinton, in which preserving the ABM Treaty was among basic themes. The Italian President called to thoroughly evaluate all possible consequences in whatever decision-making of importance to all European countries. The Presidents stressed the major role of the United Nations and its Security Council in international affairs.

The meeting finished with a dinner on Mr Carlo Azeglio Ciampi’s behalf in honour of Mr Putin.