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Putin arrives in Finland for talks, excursion with Niinistö

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Finland, and is meeting with his Finnish counterpart President Sauli Niinistö on Thursday afternoon. Putin's helicopter arrived in Savonlinna - in eastern Finland at about 2 pm. The two leaders are meeting in the nearby historic town of Punkaharju and are scheduled to hold a press conference at about 4 pm.

Presidentit Vladimir Putin ja Sauli Niinistö kättelivät ennen tapaamista Punkaharjulla.
President Sauli Niinistö greets Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Hotel Punkaharju in eastern Finland July 27, 2017. Image: Martti Kainulainen / Lehtikuva

The premier arrived to the historical Hotel Punkaharju in eastern Finland for discussions with Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, and the pair are expected to hold a joint press conference later in the day.

Kerstin Kronvall, Yle's correspondent in Russia, says that Putin and Niinistö will likely discuss the environment due to it being the Russian administration's theme on the subject this year. Kronvall added that she has heard from Russian journalists who say that nuclear power will also a likely discussion topic.

Putin saapuu Savonlinnan lentkokentälle
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Savonlinna, Finland on Thursdayafternoon, July 27. Image: Poliisi

The pair will then head to the sight-seeing destinations in Savonlinna.

Putin and Niinistö are scheduled to board the S/S Saimaa steamboat which will take them to Olavinlinna Castle for dinner and an opera performance by the Bolshoi Theatre on Thursday evening.

During their talks, the two presidents are expected to discuss international relations, energy policy, trade and tourism, and border crossing issues.

Edited at 15:38 July 27 to add possible Putin and Niinistö's discussion topics.

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