Russian first deputy foreign minister and new Finnish ambassador discuss bilateral relations
© RIA Novosti. Alexey Filippov

Russian first deputy foreign minister and new Finnish ambassador discuss bilateral relations

Russian First Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov met with Finland's new Ambassador to Russia Antti Helantera.

The officials had a detailed exchange of views on the development of relations between Russia and Finland, which, in their opinion, stand out for neighborliness, regular political dialogue at all levels and multifaceted hands-on cooperation in various areas.

They also reviewed current international issues, primarily cooperation at multilateral regional forums in northern Europe and the Arctic, taking into account Russia's chairmanship of the Arctic Council and Finland's chairmanship of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council (BEAC) in 2021-2023.

During the meeting, the head of the Finnish diplomatic mission presented copies of his credentials to Vladimir Titov.

Antti Helantera was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Finland to Russia from September 1, 2020, by the Finnish president's decree of May 8, 2020. In 2016-2019, he worked at the Finnish Embassy in Moscow and later at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM).

Helantera replaced Ambassador Mikko Hautala, who was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Finland to the United States from September 1, 2020.