President Niinistö on a working visit in St Petersburg

Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö was on a working visit in Russia between 20 and 22 June 2012. He participated in the St Petersburg International Economic Forum and met with President of Russia Vladimir Putin.

On Wednesday, 20 June President Niinistö had a meeting with managers of Finnish companies operating in Russia and representatives of business life. On Thursday, 21 June the programme included the opening of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. President Niinistö spoke at the opening ceremony, participated in a luncheon hosted by President of Russia Vladimir Putin, and attended a reception hosted by the Governor of St Petersburg. The President’s delegation at the Economic Forum included Minister of Economic Affairs Jyri Häkämies.

On Friday, 22 June the programme included a bilateral meeting with President Putin. The Presidents discussed topics including the bilateral relations between Finland and Russia as well as the development of the economic relations between the two countries. Other topics included cooperation in the Baltic Sea and Arctic regions, the relations between the EU and Russia, and current international affairs. President Niinistö returned to Finland on Friday evening. 

• Speech by President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö at the plenary session of Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum on 21 June 2012

President Niinistö and the Russian President Putin met in St Petersburg. © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

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