Russian and Finnish defence ministers confer in Helsinki
The two ministers are to hold a joint press conference on Wednesday.
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu is on a two-day visit to Finland.
Shoigu and his Finnish host, Defence Minister Carl Haglund, are discussing issues such as bilateral military ties, military reforms in the two countries, and security concerns in the Baltic and Arctic regions as well a current regional crises around the world.
Shoigu will also meet with Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja, lay a wreath at the Hietaniemi military cemetary in Helsinki and visit an army base on Santahamina island off Helsinki’s coast.
Shoigu, who holds the rank of General of the Army, took over as Russia’s defence minister six months ago. Prior to that, he served as governor of the Moscow region and Minister of of Emergency Situations. He has also chaired the ruling United Russia Party.
The two ministers are to hold a joint press conference on Wednesday afternoon at the Königstedt manor house in Vantaa. It was the site of Aceh peace talks led by former President Martti Ahtisaari in 2008.
