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Russia and Finland: new dimensions of cooperation

Russia and Finland: new dimensions of cooperation

Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov and Ambassador of Finland to the Russian Federation Mikko Hautala met in Moscow. The parties discussed the main areas to expand cooperation between the two countries: developing the Russia–Finland business dialogue, and the global Arctic agenda. Mr. Kobyakov and Mr. Hautala also addressed the global situation caused by the spread of coronavirus and effective measures taken by various countries.     

“I would like to thank our Finnish colleagues for organizing together with the Roscongress Foundation the productive visit of the Russian delegation to Finland in September 2019. In order to develop the interregional cooperation between our countries, we would be happy to provide support for organizing reciprocal business missions to Russian regions that are of interest to our Finnish colleagues. Today, over 900 Finnish companies operate in Russia. I am confident that this meeting will become another step toward developing a mutually rewarding cooperation to the benefit of our countries,” said Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation. 

Participants agreed that all initiatives already being implemented by our countries will be carried on under the Russia–Finland business dialogue. Russia’s upcoming three-year chairmanship in the Arctic Council in 2021–2023 and the 6th International Arctic Forum in March next year open up new opportunities for cooperation.

“We were busy preparing for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in June 2020. When it comes to the Russia–Finland business dialogue, we would kindly ask you to keep our agreements valid for 2021. The topics of intensive and sustainable forestry and bioeconomy are very important to us. I would like to note a significant progress in reducing soot emissions through the use of natural gas demonstrated by a number of Russian regions. We are ready to share our experience continually. During the Russian business mission’s trip to Finland, 13 leaders of Russian regions visited our country. Our agreements will continue to develop our business contacts in Russia – in the Republic of Komi, for example,” noted Mikko Hautala, Ambassador of Finland to the Russian Federation. 

Participants discussed the outlook for joint initiatives, as well as establishing the Project Centre. It aims to coordinate actions and approve a common plan to implement our countries’ joint investment and business projects. Priorities include exchanging proposals for promising investment, export, trade, and other business projects, attracting investors, promoting projects, and sharing expert and analytical information. This project will be implemented by the Roscongress Foundation and an authorized Finnish organization. East Office – a representation of Finland’s industry – can become this organization. Roscongress and the East Office already have a cooperation agreement. 

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