Friday 29 August 2003 Putin and Berlusconi to talk  | President Vladimir Putin of Russia flies from Moscow to the Italian island of Sardinia later today, Friday. He will be spending the weekend there as the house guest of the Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi. This report from David Willey: |
 Listen to the story This summer Mr Berlusconi, currently president of the EU, is using his own luxury seaside villa overlooking the crystal clear waters of one of the most beautiful bays in the Mediterranean as the setting for a new style of informal international diplomacy. The Russian and Italian leaders are expected to discuss informally possible ways of associating Russia more closely with the European Union. Of course not all EU members look favourably on this idea.
Mr Berlusconi has created an exotic new cactus garden in the grounds of his villa to show off to his Russian guest and has invited the Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, to sing at an evening party. The billionaire Italian leader prides himself on being on intimate terms with many world leaders. Last year he invited President Putin's two teenage daughters to stay at his villa.
By inviting the Russian President into one of his many luxury homes, Mr Berlusconi feels he can create a friendlier and more intimate atmosphere than at any official government guesthouse. Next week the Prime Ministers of France and Spain will receive the same VIP treatment at Mr Berlusconi's Sardinian villa.
David Willey, BBC News, Rome
Listen to the words villa a holiday house of the kind found in southern Europe crystal clear waters clean and beautiful sea informal relaxed, modern look favourably on to agree with something and think it is a good idea exotic unusual in the grounds of in the area surrounding and belonging to the property prides himself on … is proud because of … on intimate terms has a close personal relationship VIP Very Important Person  Read more about this story | |  | | | SEARCH IN LEARNING ENGLISH | | | |
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