Lavrov seeks to discuss with Finnish counterpart bilateral agreements

MOSCOW, June 6. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expects to discuss at talks with his Finnish counterpart Timo Soini in Moscow on Monday the implementation of agreements reached at the meeting of presidents Vladimir Putin and Sauli Niinisto this March.

Lavrov noted that this is his fourth meeting with Soini since the Finnish minister took office.

"This is good dynamics that reflects the character of relations between Russia and Finland marked by many decades of friendship and good neighborly relations," he said.

"When the presidents met in Moscow in March, they confirmed the line towards further strengthening of cooperation in all areas," Lavrov said. "I hope that today we will be able to look at the implementation of these agreements both in the trade and economic and humanitarian area, the sphere of contacts between people and of course, the issues of regional and global agenda," he said.

Russia-Finland ties

Finnish Foreign Minister Timo Soini has spoken highly of the current level of relations between Helsinki and Moscow.

"We are the neighboring states that have efficient and practical relations," he said opening the meeting with Russia’s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov in Moscow.

"It is good that we have an opportunity to discuss both the bilateral issues and international relations matters today," the Finnish minister said.

He thanked Lavrov for inviting him to Moscow and expressed interest in sports evening in Russia to be held as part of 2018 FIFA World Cup.

"When we were travelling to the city, I saw that the construction of the Dynamo stadium is nearing completion, preparations are underway for the football world cup. I very much hope that I will have an opportunity to watch a game at this stadium," Soini said.