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Fri, 15 Aug, 2014 12:07:52 AM Open channel important to solve Ukraine crisis FTimes - Xinhua - STT Report, August 15  The President Sauli Niinistö spoke at a press beefing in Helsinki on Thursday on this visit to Russia ascheduled for Friday. Photo Getty Image-Lehtikuva. President Sauli Niinistö will make a working visit to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin in Sochi on Friday, the presidential office announced on Thursday.
The office said the Ukraine crisis would be the core issue of discussions during the visit.
Niinistö told a press conference on Thursday afternoon that creating an open channel for discussion is important to resolve the Ukraine crisis peacefully.
“As we all know, the situation in Ukraine is very dangerous,” said Niinistö, adding that many of his western colleagues hoped that Finland could act as a peace mediator.
As a close neighbour, Finland has maintained historical, political and economic connections with Russia more than any other western countries.
Finland has every reason to be involved in seeking a solution to the crisis, said Niinistö.
He said, “This may be a small step, but every step is important in a situation where people are in great danger.”
Niinistö said the visit will not include bilateral issues between Finland and Russia or anything concerning the sanctions.
Western countries’ economic sanctions against Russia over the crisis in Ukraine and counter strikes imposed by Russia will exert significant impacts on the Finnish economy.
File picture of Finland President Sauli Niinistö and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Photo Getty Image-Lehtikuva. Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb said last week that if the sanctions disproportionately hit Finland, Finland will seek EU compensation to cover any significant loss.
News Agency STT adds: The two presidents will meet in Sochi and the working visit will not focus on the Ukraine crisis. The president is expected to hold a press conference after returning to the country.
During the press conference, President Niinistö said he does not regard himself as a great mediator of peace. Niinistö said his obligation as the president was to do all that can be done.
The president has also received invitation to meet with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. The timetable of the meeting is currently being discussed.
Commenting on the crisis in Ukraine, the president described it as knocking at the doors of the Cold War.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Alexander Stubb has referred to the meeting of the two presidents as an indication of good bilateral relationship between the two neighbours.
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Finland Times
| Thursday, 25 April, 2024 |
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