Niinistö, Putin discuss pressing issues over phone

President Sauli Niinistö and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday had a telephone conversation when they discussed various issues including the coronavirus situation in Finland and Russia as well as bilateral economic cooperation.

The presidents of the two next-door neighbours also discussed bilateral environmental and international issues, according to a press release issued by the Office of the President. On international affairs, the presidents spoke about Arctic cooperation, arms control and the initiative made by President Putin early this year for holding a summit of the permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Niinistö, who initiated the phone call, stated that the need for dialogue between the great powers has become increasingly important in the recent months.