Finland to assume rotating chairmanship at Council of Baltic Sea States

President Vladimir Putin believes Russia has taken advantage of chairing at the Council of Baltic Sea States for integrating further into the global community. The Russian leader said this as addressing a Council meeting. Holding the rotating chairmanship at the Council of Baltic Sea States Russia has been prompted to put certain aspects of its foreign policy to the foreground, said Mr Putin.

Russia's term of office is expiring at the end of June. "The rights and duties of the chair country are to be assumed by our good friend and reliable neighbour Finland," said the president.

Russia will next assume chairmanship at the Council of Baltic Sea States in 2012. "We will mark the next jubilee by positive cooperation outcomes, interesting ideas and promising undertakings," said Vladimir Putin.