Finland Times

 

National Coalition Party chairman Alexander Stubb will address the party's National Executive meeting in Helsinki on October 4, 2014. Photo – Lehtikuva.

Prime Minister Alexander Stubb on Saturday said he does not harbour any specific expectations from the upcoming meeting between the Finnish and Russian foreign ministers.

 

Finland’s Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov are scheduled to hold a meeting on Monday in Moscow. According to a release from the government, Tuomioja and Lavrov will discuss the Ukraine crisis and bilateral issues as well as regional co-operation.

 

The premier said the meeting of the two foreign ministers is in any case a good signal with regard to the crisis conditions in Ukraine.

 

Stubb underscored the importance of the face-to-face meeting between the two ministers.

 

“It is extremely important to meet face to face. I myself know Lavrov from his previous tasks, and it is good that the Finnish Foreign Minister cherishes bilateral talks with the Russian Foreign Minister.”

 

According to Stubb, Finland above all can take the opportunity to carry the message to Russia about the atmosphere within the European Union.