Russia's Putin calls Berlusconi a dear, wise friend and statesman

FILE PHOTO: Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi talks with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin during a news conference during a summit at Villa Gernetto in Gerno, Italy, April 26, 2010. REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo

(Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin called Italy's Silvio Berlusconi a dear friend and an outstanding politician in a tribute to the former prime minister who died on Monday aged 86.

"For me, Silvio was a dear person, a true friend. I have always sincerely admired his wisdom, his ability to make balanced, far-sighted decisions even in the most difficult situations," Putin said in a message of condolence.