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Mr Putin and Mr Prodi discussed current bilateral trade and economic issues, above all, the recent official agreements on the big new gas project, Southern Stream.

Both sides noted that this project, which is important in bilateral and regional terms and for ensuring energy security in Europe in general, has the backing of the European Commission and is already attracting growing interest from the countries of southern Europe. In this respect, both sides noted their mutual readiness to begin work on the practical implementation of the agreements at the earliest date.

The two leaders also discussed cooperation between Russia and Italy on a number of international issues.