Russia: Putin and Gentiloni tout economic ties in Sochi

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni in Sochi, Wednesday, to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries.
Putin noted the growth of trade turnover between the two countries since Gentiloni's assumption of office, saying "as soon as you became prime minister, the turnover began to grow. For the first two months of the year, there has been a growth of 28 percent."
In turn, Gentiloni stressed that he was "extremely pleased" to meet with Putin and "discuss issues that concern the relations between Russia and Italy, which I personally regard as extremely successful, I would even say excellent."
Gentiloni added that "this is also a very good opportunity for me, considering that Italy has taken over the chairmanship of the G7 summit, to meet with Mr Putin and discuss pressing issues ahead of the summit, which will be held in ten days."
Putin and Gentiloni are also reportedly set to discuss their cooperation in the fight against terrorism as well as the settlement of conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa.