Russian President Vladimir Putin's call to President Tarja Halonen, December 27, 2000

President Vladimir Putin of Russia congratulated President of the Republic Tarja Halonen on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the establishment of Finnish-Russian relations on December 31, 1920. Mr. Putin also wished the people of Finland a Happy New Year.

During the telephone conversation early in the evening the two Presidents affirmed that relations between the two countries were excellent. They also discussed the development of the European Union after the Nice Summit, and the visitor exchange programme between the two countries.