The Kremlin has announced that Russia and the Vatican have agreed to establish full diplomatic relations. Until now, Moscow only had an office of representation at the Vatican. Full-fledged embassies will be established in Moscow and Rome. The announcement comes after President Dmitry Medvedev met Pope Benedict XVI while on a visit to Italy. The move follows improvements in relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Vatican.<br/><br/>Presidential spokeswoman Natalya Timakova told newsmen that President Medvedev told Pope Benedict at yesterday's meeting that he signed a decree concerning the establishment of full diplomatic relations with the Vatican. The spokeswoman said that President Mdevedev has asked the Foreign Ministry to lead discussions to establish the relations and raise the level of representation to apostolic nuncio and embassy. Since 1990, the two sides have maintained representation below the rank of ambassador.<br/><br/> <br/>