Russia must be returned to the G8 club. This initiative was made by Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte during a press conference.. "Russia plays an important role in resolving all international crises, and we must maintain a dialogue with it. I think we need to move towards the restoration of the G8 format so that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is at the negotiating table, "the head of the Cabinet of Ministers said, Newsmondo. According to the prime minister, the upcoming visit of the Italian delegation to Russia is an important step for the Italian government.. Conte noted that his country has a long tradition of trade relations with the Russian Federation.. "With regard to (anti-Russian) sanctions, we believe that they are not the goal, but a means," the premier added..

Earlier, Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini called the restrictions on Russia "economic, social and cultural madness" and "absurd", which cost Italian businesses "billions of euros". In July, Conte announced that he plans to meet with Putin in Moscow on October 24. As it was reported last Friday, October 19, the Kremlin’s press service, the Russian president and the Italian prime minister will hold a dialogue with the leaders of the leading Italian enterprises..

Recall that Russia was excluded from the G8 format after the Crimea was annexed to the Russian Federation following a referendum on the peninsula in spring 2014.