Summary:

The Finnish Foreign Minister Timo Soini met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Monday. The international military exercises Baltops started in Hanko, Finland, during the same day. Mr Soini talked about the exercises after the meeting and stated that they have carried out such exercises since 1993. Mr Lavrov also answered journalists’ questions. According to him, it was beneficial for Russia to participate in the Baltops earlier but not now when they are used as a weapon to incite hysteria against Russia. Both Mr Soini and Mr Lavrov looked happy in each other’s company and were very positive about the collaboration.

Media:  Helsingin Sanomat (E-edition) 

Date: 7.6.2016

Journalist: Anneli Ahonen

Main source: The Finnish Foreign Minister Timo Soini