Niinistö to hold separate meetings with Trump, Putin

The government on Friday disclosed details including the venue of Monday’s meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his USA counterpart Donald Trump in Helsinki.

The meeting will be held at the Presidential Palace and will be hosted by the Finland President Sauli Niinistö, said an official press release.

Niinistö is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with both presidents on the day.

On Monday morning, President Niinistö and First Landy Jenni Haukio will welcome the US President Trump and First Landy Melania Trump at their official residence in Mäntyniemi.

During the meeting, the First Ladies are scheduled to gather for a joint breakfast.

The summit is scheduled to begin at the Presidential Palace after midday at about 1:00 pm with President Niinistö officially welcoming Russian President Putin, followed by Trump.

The bilateral discussions between the Russian and American presidents will take place in the Presidential Palace’s Gothic Hall. Their bilateral meeting will be followed by a wider working lunch in the Hall of Mirrors.

Prior to the working lunch, the Foreign Minister of Russia and the US Secretary of State will also meet for discussions at the Presidential Palace.

The wider talks will be followed by a joint press conference by President Trump and President Putin in the Hall of State.

After the press conference, Niinistö and Putin are set to meet at the Presidential Palace.

Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini will also meet with the American Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the Presidential Palace. Niinistö will also speak at a press conference at the Presidential Palace.