Both leaders praised the results of Finnish Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen’s recent visit to Russia and his detailed and productive talks with Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov. They said the visit had become another important stage in the development of multi-faceted bilateral relations.
Presidents Vladimir Putin and Tarja Halonen, due to hold their summit in Russia in late May, will discuss the implementation of bilateral agreements reached during Paavo Lipponen’s visit and subsequent prospects of bilateral cooperation.