MILAN - A meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the heads of some of Italy's top companies to boost business ties between the two countries is set to go ahead on Wednesday despite rising tensions over Ukraine.
"Italy is one of the leading exporters to Russia and the idea is to stimulate dialogue between the sides," one of the organisers said, confirming the event.Russian military action against Ukraine. Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has previously said the EU has little leverage with Russia over Ukraine, but needs to keep talking to Putin to calm tensions.
In a statement on Jan 17 announcing the meeting, CCIR president Vincenzo Trani warned of anti-Russian rhetoric at this particular moment.Other Italian companies participating in the meeting include Saipem, Maire Tecnimont, Barilla and Generali, according to the sources, adding that many companies would be represented by their chairmen.