The two presidents spoke with local residents as well as media representatives in the city of Porvoo.
In response to a question on the acquisition of land in Russian territory, in particular in Karelia, the President of Russia said that under current Russian legislation it is only possible to lease land. Dmitry Medvedev said that these restrictions apply only to the border areas and agricultural lands.
Dmitry Medvedev also answered a question about waiving visa requirements for citizens from Russia and Finland. The head of Russian state stressed that the relevant bilateral agreements may be concluded only in reference to the rules currently in force in the European Union.
In reference to his visit to Finland, Dmitry Medvedev said that he is satisfied with its results.
The Cathedral visited by the two leaders is not only a tourist attraction of Porvoo, but also an historic site. On March 29, 1809, it hosted the opening of first Diet of Finland, where representatives of all [four] Finnish Estates swore their oaths of allegiance to the Russian Emperor Alexander I. In Finland this year is considered as the birth of autonomy, which later led to sovereignty. On March 28 and 29 of 2009, the Porvoo Cathedral was the site of grand events celebrating the 200th anniversary of this historic event. The celebrations were attended by the President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen.