Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
Press release 60/2016
30 December 2016
President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on 30 December.
They discussed current international issues, such as the situation in Syria and security in the Baltic Sea region. They also discussed bilateral relations between Finland and Russia and Finland’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council that begins next year. President Niinistö offered his condolences on the murder of Ambassador Karlov and on the plane crash on Christmas Day.
The presidents also wished each other a Happy New Year. President Putin also congratulated Finland on the country’s independence jubilee year that is about to begin.
The discussion was held on Finland’s initiative.