Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday expressed his condolences to Italian President Sergio Mattarella for the death on Friday of former president Giorgio Napolitano, according to the Kremlin as reported by Tass.
"Dear Mr Mattarella, please accept my deepest condolences on the passing away of former Italian President Giorgio Napolitano," the Kremlin reportedly said in a statement.
With Giorgio Napolitano "an exceptional statesman and a true Italian patriot has passed away," wrote Putin in a telegram to Mattarella, according to Ria Novosti. "In his youth, Napolitano fought bravely against fascism in the ranks of the Resistance and then served his country faithfully for many years, including as president and in other high government posts," he continued.
In his message Putin recalled having had the good fortune to speak with Napolitano on several occasions and said he would "always keep fond memories" of their meetings.
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