President of Finland Sauli Niinistö (retranslated): Good afternoon.

To begin with, I would like to once again say how pleased I am that despite his busy schedule, the President of Russia has found time to visit Finland.

We had a good and focused conversation, though there is still a lot left to discuss later tonight. Of course, we talked about Finnish-Russian relations and noted that there are no problems here. Many areas of our cooperation, such as bilateral trade, including tourism, for example, are heading in a positive direction. We also see positive developments in other areas.

With regard to trade and economic cooperation, we have joint projects that are being implemented in Finland and Russia, and commercial entities from both countries take part in these projects. These projects and this work are on an upwards trajectory.

We also outlined a number of potentially promising new areas of inter- action. In particular, we discussed waste management, and we, in Finland, believe that our system, our technology and progress in this area are quite positive. We also spoke earlier about the Krasny Bor hasardous waste landfill and potential cooperation in this area, but for now, we discussed waste management in general. In this regard, a visit by regional leaders of Russia in Finland is planned for them to learn more about what we have managed to accomplish.

When Finland presided over the Arctic Council, we paid a lot of attention to combating black coal and soot emissions. I am very pleased by what we have just heard from the President, namely, that Russia takes finding a solution to this challenge very seriously.

In early summer, word came that Russia will be fully involved in the work of the Council of Europe in the future. Finland contributed to resolving this issue and the problem that existed beforehand. It is very important that Russia take part in the human rights mechanisms and systems in Europe.

We have many times discussed issues and topics related to the Baltic regions, as well as the importance of dialogue in this context. It is true that dialogue on issues in this region is badly needed. As before, Finland stands ready to offer its services via diplomatic channels if need be.

We have also had time to discuss Ukraine. I am going to pay an official visit in a couple of weeks. As I understand, practical initiatives are being implemented and practical work is underway. For my part, I, of course, will support such developments.

My colleague has already promised that tonight we will discuss other topics on the international political agenda; of course, we have more than enough of them.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: I fully agree with my colleague’s assessment of the level and character of Russian-Finnish relations.

There is cooperation at the highest level as well as between our governments, corresponding ministries, agencies, regions and public organisations.

Today we have also discussed trade and investment cooperation. Let me remind you that mutual investment has surpassed $7 billion, and over 7,000 Finnish enterprises have business contacts with Russian companies. Bilateral trade is growing. Large projects are being implemented.

We thank Finland for its pragmatic approach to a major international European project, Nord Stream 2. I can inform you that construction of the pipeline in the Finnish section, in the Finnish exclusive economic zone, was completed today.

Russia and Finland cooperate closely on environmental protection. In September, representatives of about 30 Russian regions will visit Finland to share experience in this sphere. We have agreed to expand cooperation on the environment, including within the Arctic Council.

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