Russian Defence Minister to discuss international security issues while visiting Finland

Upon completing a visit to Norway, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov will on Thursday arrive in Finland for a two-day visit. RIA Novosti learned from Finnish sources that apart from the discussion of issues related to bilateral military cooperation, Sergei Ivanov and Finnish Defence Minister Jan Erik Enestam will discuss a wide range of international security issues. In particular, the ministers will discuss problems related to NATO enlargement, the development of relations between Russia and NATO, European settlement of crises, the fight against international terrorism and the situation in Central Asia. The meeting will be held at an old castle in Turku.

Sergei Ivanov is also expected to discuss the same range of issues with Finnish President Tarja Halonen at a dinner at her summer residence, Kultaranta /Golden Coast/ and at a meeting with Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja due on Friday.