Finland Times

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with Finnish President Sauli Niinistö (L) at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence, outside of Moscow, Russia on June 16, 2015. Photo – Lehtikuva.

President Sauli Niinistö and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Tuesday held a meeting in Moscow where both the leaders focused on the declining bilateral trade between the neighbouring countries, the Ukraine situation and international issues.

 

The visiting Finland president also expressed his concern at the Ukraine situation following the stalemate in the Minsk peace process.

 

The Russian president emphasised the second year of declining trade between Finland and Russia and their need to address the adverse results of the developing trend.

 

Niinistö said the stalemate in the Minsk peace process has seriously affected the relations between Russia and the EU and has resulted in a reduction in the level of trade.

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Finnish President Sauli Niinistö (L) held a meeting at the Novo Ogaryovo-residence, outside of Moscow, Russia on June 16, 2015. Photo – Lehtikuva.

“I am probably mostly concerned about the situation in Ukraine and the fact that the Minsk Agreements are being stalled in a way,” said Niinistö, adding, “This situation has had a serious impact on relations between Russia and the European Union and influenced the trade and economic cooperation you mentioned.”

 

They also discussed international issues and foreign security policy when Putin said Finland’s security is the best example of the guaranteed survival of a non-aligned country.

 

With an oblique reference to NATO, the Russian president said his country has to react immediately, if presence of someone creates threat in the bordering area of his country.

 

Replying to a query during a joint press conference at the end of the meeting, Putin said his country showed respect to the Minsk Convention and contributed from its position towards its implementation.