New Finnish government to seek close relations with Russia.

HELSINKI, June 18 (Itar-Tass) -- The new government of Finland will
focus on "strong, versatile and multi-level relations with Russia," as
follows from a new government program, adopted on Friday at six-party
consultations on the formation of the cabinet. The document was presented
to the press by the consultations' coordinator, Jyrki Katainen.
"Finland supports the EU's aspiration to establish a visa-free regimen
with Russia on the basis of the conditions existing in the European
Union," the document says. "In particular, Finland is preparing for this
process by developing a system of border control."
"The government also supports the development of the EU policy towards
Russia, Russia's rapprochement with Europe and Russia's accession to
international organizations," says the program.
The new government announced that one of its aims would be to further
strengthen the coordination of policy towards Russia, for which it would
create a ministerial working group. There will be updated the 2009 action
program for Russia. The activities will be continued of the Russia Forum
that brings together leading politicians, businessmen, scientists and
members of the public under the leadership of the prime minister.
The cooperation of border regions will continue to be strengthened.
Its central themes are "nuclear safety, environmental improvement and
prevention of infectious diseases." Among other priorities are the
development of student exchanges and cooperation at civil society level.