Niinistö, Putin discuss Afghanistan situation over phone

President Sauli Niinistö on Friday held a long telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and discussed various issues including the situation in Afghanistan.

In addition to the bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries, the Presidents also discussed Arctic initiatives, the security of Europe, and the EU’s strategic autonomy, said the Office of the President in a press release.

They also continued their discussion about the Helsinki Spirit, the press release added.

Earlier, Niinistö, Putin held several telephone discussions on various issues in this year and previous years.

The two Presidents held a thorough telephone conversation on April 13 and discussed various issues including the tense situation in the Crimean peninsula and at the border between Russia and Ukraine.

On January 21, they held a telephone conversation and discussed various bilateral and international issues including the imprisonment of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.