Finland Times

 

President Sauli Niinistö addressing the closing ceremony of the parliamentary term at Finlandia Hall in Helsinki on Wednesday. Photo Lehtikuva.

President Sauli Niinistö on Wednesday warned against deliberately undermining the relations between Finland and Russia.

 

The president made his comments in his speech at a programme held at the Finlandia Hall in Helsinki marking the conclusion of the parliamentary term.

 

“Russia is a superpower that will remain our neighbour, and we will remain Russia’s neighbour. In geographical terms, one cannot choose one’s neighbours, and so neighbourhood relations must be taken care of for better or for worse,” Niinistö was quoted as saying in a release from the Office of the President.

 

The relationship between the two nations, according to the president, especially in the economic sector, is not immune to the consequences of widespread tensions.

 

The Parliamentary Secretary General Seppo Tiitinen, Speaker of Parliament Eero Heinäluoma and President Sauli Niinistö (right.) at the closing ceremony of the parliamentary term in Helsinki on Wednesday. Photo Lehtikuva.

“However, it would not be in anyone’s interests – least of all our own – for us to deliberately undermine our mutual relations,” he added.

 

According to the release, Niinistö said development in recent years have shown that Finland has made the appropriate fundamental decisions as far as upholding the national defence capacity is concerned. Ensuring the up-to-date performance of the national defence capability is a new challenge.

 

“Recent events have also reminded us that national security requires a wide range of readiness and risk management. This includes, amongst other things, up-to-date intelligence capabilities and legislation to back them up,” said the president.