The president of Russia Vladimir Putin (at the left) and the president of Finland Tar'ya Chalonen (on the right) during business negotiations. At negotiations pressing questions of bilateral economic and political cooperation, and also interaction on a line Russia - the European union were discussed. The meeting has passed in a former residence of Russian tsars.
Photo: Dmitry Azarov
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Helsinki Hosts Summit of Russia and E.U.
The Helsinki summit of Russia and the European Union will hardly be a breakthrough for Moscow. Poland vetoed the start of partnership talks on tensions over its meat and Moscow denial to ratify the Energy Charter.
The current pact of Russia and the E.U. expires December 1, 2007. In this situation, it is possible just to extend the previous agreement, Sergey Yastrzhembsky, aide to President Vladimir Putin, said as quoted by RIA Novosti.
Apart from the start of the partnership talks that was hoped to become the main set-piece of the summit but turned out the fond hope because of Poland, another highlight is the international situation, including Iran, Middle East, the Korea peninsula and the Balkans.
The Helsinki summit has first achievements already. Russia and E.U. finally agreed on using the Trans-Siberian air of Russia. Moscow won’t charge new routes over Siberia but maintained overflight charges for existing routes till 2010. In 2010, the agreement will be either extended for another two years or all payments will be cancelled.
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