“In 2017, this day has special significance as your country marks the centenary of declaring state sovereignty. Over the past century, relations between Russia and Finland had their ups and downs, and there were some challenging periods. Nevertheless, our countries were able to build truly friendly and neighbourly relations between them,” the President of Russia wrote in his message of greetings.
Vladimir Putin praised the achievements in promoting Russian-Finnish ties in various areas, and noted the expanding ties between agencies, parliaments, regions and cities of the two countries, as well as large-scale joint projects and coordinated efforts to address urgent international issues, including in the Council of Europe.
Vladimir Putin said that he strongly believed in Russia and Finland further stepping up their fruitful bilateral relations in the interests of their people.