From Russia to Rome: Medvedev to meet Pope on official visit

­He is in Rome for talks with his counterpart Giorgio Napolitano as well as with Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Medvedev also takes part in a series of key events launching the year of Russia in Italy.

During the visit key agreements were signed, including one on military transit to Afghanistan and an asset-swap deal with an Italian energy company.

On Thursday, Medvedev will also meet the Pope in the Vatican – becoming the first Russian leader to go there after the two sides established diplomatic relations in 2009.

Italy is a leading business partner for Russia, so the visit will focus on diversifying trade and modernizing their economic partnership.