SAVONLINNA (Sputnik) — The Russia-China naval drills are a good example of how to cooperate in any region of the world, including in the Baltic region, Putin said.
"Cooperation between Russia and China in its totality, including the military component, is one of the most important elements of security and stability in the world, while it is not directed against any third countries," Putin said answering a question about the purpose of Russia-China joint military exercises.
Russia respects the neutral stance of some Baltic states and is ready for any form of cooperation with them, Putin added.
"We have respect for the neutral status of some countries of the Baltic region, but at the same time we are ready for any form of cooperation with neutral states as well."
In his turn, Niinisto said that a dialogue with Russia on security issues in the Baltic region is necessary.
"We are planning large-scale military drills … We are witnessing the intensification of movement of military planes, ships," Niinisto said after talks with Putin, adding that "we need constant dialogue" to avoid undesirable situations.
The Russia-China Joint Sea-2017 drills kicked off on Saturday in Baltiysk and will last until Friday. The drills are aimed at practicing interaction between the Russian and Chinese fleets in countering naval threats, coherence of actions of the crew and enhancing cooperation between the Russian and Chinese naval troops, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
