President Halonen visited Russia

President Tarja Halonen and President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow on 17 January 2012. Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

President of the Republic Tarja Halonen visited Russia on 17–18 January 2012 and held discussions with President Dmitry Medvedev, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Chairman of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko. President Halonen also visited an Editors’ Club debate organised by the Itar-Tass News Agency.

“After serving as President and Minister for Foreign Affairs, it is good to meet Finland’s neighbours and to sum things up,” said President Halonen to representatives of the Finnish press. “Neighbours are important to us. We have excellent relations with our neighbouring countries.” The President pointed out that Finland’s relationship with Russia is complex as a result of wars, a period of rebuilding and the restoration of relations. She also emphasised the work of her predecessors in this respect. “Mauno Koivisto is held in extremely high regard in Russia."

A genuine team game

Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

“The past is a good foundation,” President Halonen said. Even so, each President and Prime Minister needs to establish their own relations and to ensure that others and the country can draw similar benefits from their actions and term in office.”

President Halonen stressed that the President and the Ministers genuinely play for the same team: everyone has to give their best and to be able to see the benefits of playing as a team.

With regard to the future, President Halonen deemed Russian WTO membership excellent news. She said that the relations between the European Union and Russia have witnessed great progress.

In the discussions with the Russian leadership President Halonen emphasised the environmental perspective. She expressed her hope for Russia to organise the Baltic Sea Action Summit at as high a level as possible. Finland organised the Baltic Sea Action Summit in February 2010.

President Halonen Chairman of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko. Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

Ten million border crossings

President Halonen also brought up the notable increase in contacts between the citizens of the two countries. “An increasing contact surface means increasing challenges; with ten million border crossings and more than one million visas per year, problems are bound to be encountered.”

“Visa exemption is inevitable and preparations for it should be made in good time,” President Halonen said.

During their more than three-hour meeting the Presidents discussed international affairs, including the situation in the Middle East, Iran and Syria. Topical issues from both Presidents’ countries also featured in the discussions. President Halonen said that President Medvedev has great determination in promoting modernisation projects.

The visit was the 27th visit to Russia by President Halonen during her presidency. With her presidency drawing to a close, President Halonen is also set to visit the neighbouring country of Estonia and is planning a farewell visit to Sweden.

President Halonen and Prime Minister Vladimir Puti. Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland