Silvio Berlusconi made “an invaluable contribution to the development of the mutually beneficial partnership between Italy and Russia,” Putin added.
Berlusconi’s death earlier on Monday was breaking news on all Russian news agencies and television stations.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Monday paid tribute to the ex-prime minister and leader of government coalition partner Forza Italia (FI).
She described him as one of the most influential figures in the history of Italy.
“Silvio Berlusconi was above all a fighter,” she said in a video message.
“He was a man who was never afraid to stand up for his convictions, and it was exactly that courage and determination that made him one of the most influential men in the history of Italy.
She then hailed his “real breakthroughs in the world of politics, communication and business”.
“With him, Italy learned that it never had to have limits imposed on it. It learned that it never had to give up.
“With him we fought, won, lost many battles. And also, for him we will achieve the goals that we set together. Goodbye Silvio,” she added.
ANSA
