Finnish authorities would be ready to provide a platform for a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden, if necessary
Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said this in an interview with Russian journalists, answering a question about Finland’s ability to host such a meeting.
Haavisto will travel to St. Petersburg on February 15 to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, representatives of the city and Leningrad Oblast authorities, the business community and NGOs.
“We are always ready to offer our good offices. Last autumn I had the opportunity to meet with the Russian and US delegations who were discussing the Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms in Finland. Both delegations were pleased that we were able to offer a neutral platform for the talks”, – said Haavisto. – “If there is a need, Finland is always ready to offer its good offices. Of course, there are other alternatives, but Helsinki is always a good place for meetings.”