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The agenda includes key issues of bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international matters.

After a one-on-one conversation, the talks continued with participation of the two delegations.

* * *

Beginning of conversation with President of Finland Sauli Niinistö

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, colleagues,

I am very happy to welcome you in Russia.

Quite recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Helsinki where we met with the President of the United States. I would like to thank you once again for your hospitality and for the extremely good organisation of our work.

But we also have many issues of mutual interest in the context of our bilateral relations. This includes the further expansion of economic ties. On the whole, we are satisfied with how this situation is developing.

Besides, we have many border issues, as well as cooperation in this area and cultural ties.

We know about your idea to organise an Arctic Council summit. We are also ready to discuss this, and I can say right away that we are ready to take part in this work.

We are very happy to see you, Mr President.

President of Finland SauliNiinistö (In Russian.): Spasibo bolshoye. You know, Sochi and sunshine are almost one and the same thing.It is very pleasant to come here.

Vladimir Putin (In Finnish.): Kiitos. [Thank you.]

Sauli Niinistö (retranslated): Indeed, it was a great honour for Finland to provide a venue for your meeting with the President of the United States. And we believe and hope that this meeting will produce a good result, including in disarmament.

As neighbouring countries, we have many common matters of interest. You have already mentioned the economy. And thank you for your promise to take part in Arctic affairs, which we already mentioned.

As neighbours, we also share the environment. We have favourable opportunities in this area, and it is possible to expand our currently positive cooperation for the sake of nature conservation.

Thank you for your invitation. We are enjoying our stay in Sochi.

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