Finnish President Sauli Niinistö called on Western countries to maintain effective relations with Russia to ensure security, TASS reported.
“We also need a dialogue with Russia. This in no way contradicts the firm position of the West in relation to the Russian Federation. Based on Finnish experience, I can assure you that both of these elements can be part of the same equation. Our own relationship with Russia is based on an active, straightforward dialogue. The same should be possible at the European level. In this regard, I would like to mention that it is especially regrettable that the cooperation within the OSCE in practice has come to a standstill”, the Finnish leader emphasized.
According to him, relations between Europe and Russia were reduced to almost nonexistent, and instead of partnership and trust came “growing suspicion and mutual accusations.” The President noted that there are undoubtedly contradictions between the parties, however, he believes that “everyone needs to look at the whole picture” in order not to lose the opportunity to jointly respond to common threats and challenges in Europe.