Russia and Finland: let's talk about logs!

During his visit to Helsinki, Russian President said a few words about timber relationships between two countries.

"I would like to separately dwell upon our cooperation in the forestry sector. We took the fundamental decision to develop high-level timber processing in Russia. We announced these plans long ago, we set them out, and our partners recognise this. We will accommodate our traditional partners. However, I would like to stress again that the strategic plans to develop timber processing within the Russian Federation remain unchanged. And that means that we must agree in due course about how we will go forward and how we will build our relations in this sensitive area.

It is important for our Finnish friends to use the given rest period for the efficient expansion of high-level timber processing on the territory of the Russian Federation.

We expect considerate and comprehensive discussion of these issues to continue at the forest summit in St Petersburg in October. Its results can then be developed into strategic plans for joint action that takes into account our interests, and those of our Finnish friends.

And of course we associate the future development of economic cooperation with strengthening our cooperation in science-intensive and high-tech fields, for example in nanotechnology, something we also mentioned today.

Our meeting, as it is, should not remain a once-off event. I believe that dialogue between the executive branch of government and the business community in our countries could become a regular occurrence.

I am certain that the co-chair of the Russian-Finnish Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation and the leaders of entrepreneurs' associations who are present here, will be able to develop the optimum format for such meetings.

In conclusion, I would like to remind you that tomorrow the 13th International Economic Forum opens in St Petersburg. Businessmen from Finland are always welcome guests to Russia, and also to such events.

The St Petersburg Forum can help in resolving those problems that we have discussed today.

Russia, as I have already said, is open to partnership, joint projects, and initiatives.

I have no doubt that by joining forces we are certain to achieve great and substantial results that will benefit our countries and people"

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