EU strengthens Finnish-Russian relations
Alexander Stubb
Multilateral relations between the European Union and Russia is what determines the state of bilateral relations between Finland and Russia, Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb says in a interview with Expert.
-Russia has always been our big and good neighbour, and especially in today’s world when inter-dependence is so extensive […] However, Finland is a member of the European Union and […] the main factor determining relations are the multilateral relations between the EU and Russia, Mr. Stubb says in an interview with journal Expert.
-As long as relations between the EU and Russia are developing positively, also bilateral relations will be prosperous, he adds.
In the interview, the minister also maintains that the recent conflict in Georgia has helped consolidate the EU position on Russia, as well as strengthened the union’s common foreign and security policy. He also believes that the financial crisis has helped improve relations between the EU and Russia.
The foreign minister also expresses support for Russia’s bid for membership in the WTO. He hopes that the new U.S. administration will help speed up negotiations with the Russians.
-As long as relations between the EU and Russia are developing positively, also bilateral relations will be prosperous, he adds.
In the interview, the minister also maintains that the recent conflict in Georgia has helped consolidate the EU position on Russia, as well as strengthened the union’s common foreign and security policy. He also believes that the financial crisis has helped improve relations between the EU and Russia.
The foreign minister also expresses support for Russia’s bid for membership in the WTO. He hopes that the new U.S. administration will help speed up negotiations with the Russians.
