“It’s necessary to bring Russia into dialogue on various issues on the international arena, then we’ll discuss sanctions [against Russia] in six or seven months depending on how the Minsk agreements are being implemented,” Gentiloni said before an EU Council meeting on foreign relations in Luxembourg.
Italy’s top diplomat stressed the need for Russia’s involvement in solving acute international crises.
“I think dialogue is needed in several issues, like Libya and Syria. Dialogue [with Russia] is extremely key,” Gentiloni said.
On Monday, the European Union made a formal decision to extend the anti-Russia sanctions for another six months.
Despite the souring of the relations between the West and Russia, the two sides have continued dialogue on issues such as the situation in Syria, and the Iranian nuclear program.
This is not the first time Gentiloni has credited Russia with playing a crucial role in solving major international issues. In May, the minister called Moscow "an essential companion for the most delicate political dossiers."
On Friday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that he did not believe any serious international issues could be solved without Russia’s participation.
