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The discussion covered a broad range of issues pertaining to bilateral cooperation and a number of pressing international matters.

Vladimir Putin and Sauli Niinistö gave a joint news conference following the talks.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, allow me to welcome you here in Moscow.

It is a pleasure to see you here in Russia’s capital, particularly considering that the past two years have seen a certain decline in trade and economic ties and trade between out countries.

In this sense your visit is, of course, very timely, allowing us to discuss what can be done to put an end to this negative tendency.

We will also have an opportunity to discuss international developments, our relations and the relations between Russia and the European Union in general and the conflict situations that are a concern to us all.

Welcome.

President of Finland Sauli Niinistö (retranslated): Thank you very much, Mr President, for this opportunity to meet with you.

(translated from Russian) I am also very happy to see you.

Vladimir Putin (in Finnish): Kiitoksia [Thank you].

Sauli Niinistö (retranslated): I am probably mostly concerned about the situation in Ukraine and the fact that the Minsk Agreements are being stalled in a way. This situation has had a serious impact on relations between Russia and the European Union and influenced the trade and economic cooperation you mentioned. It is good to have an opportunity to talk this over. Thank you for your invitation.

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