Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation
Anton Kobyakov and Ambassador of Finland to the Russian Federation Mikko Hautala
met in Moscow. The parties discussed the main areas to expand cooperation between
the two countries: developing the RussiaFinland business dialogue, and the global
Arctic agenda. Mr. Kobyakov and Mr. Hautala also addressed the global situation
caused by the spread of coronavirus and effective measures taken by various countries.
«I would like to thank our Finnish colleagues for organizing together
with the Roscongress Foundation the productive visit of the Russian delegation
to Finland in September 2019. In order to develop the interregional cooperation
between our countries, we would be happy to provide support for organizing
reciprocal business missions to Russian regions that are of interest to our
Finnish colleagues. Today, over 900 Finnish companies operate in Russia. I am confident
that this meeting will become another step toward developing a mutually rewarding
cooperation to the benefit of our countries,» said Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation.
Participants agreed that all initiatives already
being implemented by our countries will be carried on under the RussiaFinland business
dialogue. Russias upcoming three-year chairmanship in the Arctic Council in
20212023 and the 6th International Arctic Forum in March next year
open up new opportunities for cooperation.
«We were busy preparing for the St. Petersburg International Economic
Forum in June 2020. When it comes to the RussiaFinland business dialogue, we would
kindly ask you to keep our agreements valid for 2021. The topics of intensive and
sustainable forestry and bioeconomy are very important to us. I would like to note a significant progress
in reducing soot emissions through the use of natural gas demonstrated by a
number of Russian regions. We are ready to share our experience continually. During
the Russian business missions trip to Finland, 13 leaders of Russian regions visited
our country. Our agreements will continue to develop our business contacts in Russia
in the Republic of Komi, for example,» noted Mikko Hautala, Ambassador
of Finland to the Russian Federation.
Participants discussed the outlook for joint initiatives, as well as
establishing the Project Centre. It aims to coordinate actions and approve a common
plan to implement our countries joint investment and business projects.
Priorities include exchanging proposals for promising investment, export, trade,
and other business projects, attracting investors, promoting projects, and
sharing expert and analytical information. This project will be implemented by the
Roscongress Foundation and an authorized Finnish organization. East Office a representation
of Finlands industry can become this organization. Roscongress and the East Office
already have a cooperation agreement.