Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Lehtomäki to Russia

Press Release 231/2004
8 October 2004

Paula Lehtomäki, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, will visit Moscow and Rostov-on-Don on 11–12 October.

In Moscow Minister Lehtomäki will meet with German Gref, Russia’s
Minister of Economic Development and Trade. Topical issues in relations between the two countries and cooperation between the European Union and Russia will be discussed during the meeting.

"Trade between Finland and Russia is increasing at a rapid pace. The
development of trade requires that bilateral relations between our countries receive due attention," Minister Lehtomäki points out. "It’s important for Finland that the European Union and Russia have good relations. We play an active role in these efforts while at the same time maintaining our own relations with Russia," she continues.

From Moscow Minister Lehtomäki will continue to Rostov-on-Don, where she will open the Scandinavian Business Forum organised by Finpro. In addition to the export promotion event, the minister will meet with leaders of the Southern Federal District of the Russian Federation and the Governor of the Rostov Region.

"For Finnish companies, all too often Russia means only Moscow or St.
Petersburg, but trade potential and growing markets are found elsewhere in Russia, too. That’s why this event is a valuable opportunity," Minister Paula Lehtomäki says.

Additional information: First Secretary Marja Liivala, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 5652; Satu Mäki, Special Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, mobile tel. +358 40 829 3298.