Not Single Key Decision On Libya, Syria Can Be Made Without Russia - EU Senior Lawmaker

ROME (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 23rd November, 2018) It is impossible to make any significant decision on issues concerning Libya, Syria and the so-called Greater Mediterranean as a whole without Russia, the European Parliament's Vice-President, Fabio Massimo Castaldo, told Sputnik.

"Over the past years, Russia has been convincing in proving its role of the forefront international player in the 'Greater Mediterranean' area. Not a single significant or important decision on Syria, Libya or other issues related to peace and well-being of the region, can be made without Russia," Castaldo, who is a member of the Italian 5 Star Movement, which is part of the ruling coalition, said on the sidelines of the Mediterranean Dialogues (MED) forum in Rome.

Russia should be considered not as a part of some problem, but as a part of s solution to problems, Castaldo continued.

The politician expressed confidence that the development of EU-Russian relations was important for future progress in various areas, including security.

The fourth edition of the MED forum is held in Rome between Thursday and Saturday.

Russia has been an active player in the settlement of the Syrian conflict. It is one of the ceasefire guarantor states, alongside Iran and Turkey. Moreover, it has been supporting Damascus in its fight against terrorism.

Moscow has also been backing the peace process in Libya.