Damage inflicted by the coronavirus pandemic to economic relations between Russia and Finland can be overcome this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday at the meeting with President of Finland Sauli Niinisto, Trend reports with reference to TASS.
"Certainly, we will talk today across the whole complex of relations but I would like to note in the beginning that despite all the difficulties related to the pandemic, we will be able to overcome to a significant extent the damage inflicted by [the coronavirus] to our relations in the economic sphere in this year," Putin said.
"Trade turnover surged by 21% against the like period of last year," the Russian leader said. Exports and imports are balanced "and major projects continue also," he added.
"I am delighted to note that Russia continues to be in one of the first places among the most significant trade and economic partners of Finland, Putin said.