(September 21, 2017) Italy and Russia strengthen economic and cultural cooperation. In recent days, the Ambassador of Italy in Russia, Cesare Maria Ragaglini, went on a mission in the Samara Region, visiting the cities of Samara, Togliatti and Oktyabrsk. The Region is today characterized by a dynamic and expanding business fabric that has attracted many foreign investment in recent years, especially in the automotive, chemical and food sectors. During the meetings with the governor and mayors of Samara and Togliatti, the foundations for a further expansion of economic and cultural cooperation were laid. The visit was also the occasion for two lectio magistralis on the Italian-Russian relations held by the Ambassador respectively at the most important University of the Region, the International Market Institute in Samara, and at the Ortodox Institute of Togliatti. “Between Italy and Russia there is a deep and articulated connection”, said Ambassador Ragaglini to the audience, composed of over three hundred students and professors. Italian entrepreneurs were among the first, after World War II, to travel to Russia, paving the way for the 400 Italian companies present today. This happened especially in the Samara Region where in 1966 Fiat opened the car factory that was able to power the then Soviet Union. ” (Red)
