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The two heads of state paid considerable attention to the economy and investment. As Dmitry Medvedev noted at the news conference following the talks, economic and trade ties between the two countries regained a healthy growth trend: the turnover increased by 20 percent in the first six months of 2010, and despite the difficulties of the economic crisis in 2009, Russia has retained the first place among Finland’s trading partners. In turn, the Russian Federation has accumulated a significant amount of direct Finnish investment.

Innovation is also an important area of cooperation between Russia and Finland. Tarja Halonen has confirmed the interest of Finnish companies in the development of innovation cooperation with Russian partners, as exemplified by the participation of Nokia in the Skolkovo Innovation Centre project.

In addition, the talks agenda included the formation of new European security architecture and the development of the strategic partnership between Russia and the EU. President Medvedev and President Halonen also discussed the prospects for abolishing visas between the EU and Russia, cooperation as part of the Partnership for Modernisation initiative, as well as progress in Russia’s accession to the WTO.

The President of Finland arrived in Russia on a four-day state visit. During the visit, which will last until November 11, Tarja Halonen also plans to visit Kazan.