OREANDA-NEWS. June 01, 2011. Dmitry Medvedev sent a message of congratulations to President of the Republic of Italy Giorgio Napolitano on the country’s national holiday, Republic Day, and the 150th anniversary of Italy’s unification.

Mr Medvedev said, in particular, in his message:

“I am pleased to see the intensive and dynamic nature of relations between Russia and Italy. Our regular contacts and trusting and substantial talks are of great importance for their further development.

Our mutual desire for close cooperation enables us to develop the full potential our bilateral ties offer, deepening our political dialogue, expanding our trade and investment ties, ties in industry and the energy sector, and also developing our scientific and cultural exchanges. The reciprocal cultural and language exchange years that we have organised, which began with the official opening in Rome in February 2011, demonstrate the high level of partnership we have achieved.

I am sure that the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of Italy’s unification will be a memorable and significant event not just for Italy itself, but for its friends too. Russia has deep respect for the way that Italy cherishes its national traditions and preserves its immense historic legacy. We know from our own experience that this kind of responsible attitude towards one’s own history plays an important part in strengthening national unity.

I am sure that Russia and Italy will continue to work closely together at the bilateral level and also on the international stage, for the good of our peoples and in the interests of strengthening stability and security in the world.”