NAANTALI /Finland/, July 1. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed the importance of his dialogue with his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto in the context of the recent development in Europe and in the world.
"We have what to discuss taking into account the ongoing development in Europe and in the world, to discuss in detail," Putin said on Friday at the beginning of his meeting with the Finnish leader at the latter’s Kultaranta residence.
"Almost three years have elapsed since your last visit here. The weather back then was as fine as it is now. Nothing has changed here," the Finnish president said, adding that the political situation, on the contrary, has changed considerably.
Having a look around, the Russian leader agreed that Kultarana has changed little. "And this is good, the residence is very picturesque," Putin said and hailed the Finnish for their ability to take care of their historical heritage.
The Russian president thanked Niinisto for the invitation to visit Finland.
- Russian, Finnish leaders to discuss Ukraine, Syria, Brexit — Kremlin
- Finnish leader hopes to discuss with Putin situation in Baltic Sea, Ukraine, Syria
- Lavrov seeks to discuss with Finnish counterpart bilateral agreements
- Finland refutes reports on secret consultations with Russia over NATO
- Russia suspends work on adoption deals with Ireland, Iceland, Finland — diplomat