Finland, Estonia and Russia continued discussions on the use of airspace over the Gulf of Finland

Press release 76/2008
5 March, 2008

Representatives of the Finnish, Estonian and Russian air forces met in Helsinki on Wednesday, 5 March to discuss the use of airspace over the Gulf of Finland. The meeting was hosted by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

The meeting was a continuation of negotiations held on 28 November, the purpose being to intensify dialogue among the three states on the coast of the Gulf of Finland, and to find technical and operational means for the advance prevention of airspace violations. Now the parties agreed more precisely on the commitment of each country to certain joint goals and their practical implementation.

All parties were emphasising the need for close cooperation and information exchange. Full application of international flight rules will provide a required level of flight safety over the Gulf of Finland.

The relatively narrow international airspace over the Gulf of Finland is heavily trafficked. Commercial flights are expected to increase in the coming years, which emphasises the importance of information exchange and collaboration in order to ensure the safety of military and civilian air traffic.

Additional information: Brigadier General Jarkko Numminen, tel. +358 14 181 4040, Air Force Headquarters and Under-Secretary of State Markus Lyra, tel. +358 9 1605 5031, Ministry for Foreign Affairs