Putin proposes to Finnish president to discuss in detail developments in Europe, worldwide
NAANTALI (Finland). July 1 (Interfax) - Nothing has changed in Kultaranta, Finland's summer presidential residence, since Russian President Vladimir Putin went there last three years ago, but the same cannot be said about the situation in the world outside.
It was with the statement of this fact that the meeting between Putin and Finnish President Sauli Niinisto began in the Finnish town of Naantali. The two countries' leaders expressed readiness to discuss new elements in the international situation.
"It has been almost three years since you were here, and the weather was nice all the same back then. We've had nothing changed here. But, regrettably, certain changes have happened to the world and, alas, not for the better," Niinisto said, when receiving the Russian president at his residence on Friday.
Niinisto went on to emphasize the need to "support such positive elements", emphasizing that Putin "plays a big role in this regard".
Having looked around, Putin admitted that "not much has changed, indeed" in Kultaranta. "It is very good, the residence is very beautiful," Putin said, highlighting the ability of the Finns to take good care of their historic memorabilia.
Putin underlined that he and his Finnish counterpart actually have "something to talk about, given the events happening in Europe and globally, to discuss in detail".
Putin thanked Niinisto for inviting him to visit Finland.
