Constructive talks between Russian, Finnish Defence Ministers

Mutual understanding is typical between the talks between Russian and Finnish Defence Ministers Sergei Ivanov and Jan-Erik Enestam, the Finnish minister told a RIA Novosti correspondent on Thursday. According to Jan-Erik Enestam, the first round of talks focused on Russian and Finnish standpoints on different bilateral issues and international security problems.

Sergei Ivanov's good knowledge of Scandinavia and Finland, in particular, is very important for the success of the talks, Jan-Erik Enestam said. It was very nice of Igor Ivanov to greet a company of Finnish guards in their native language during the ceremonial meeting, he added.

During private talks Enestam and Ivanov are talking Swedish. Official talks are often being held in English, Jan-Erik Enestam said.