Prior Finnish Foreign Minister Calls for Opening Russia-Finland Border to Improve Finland's Economic Situation
Sputnik, Moscow - Former Finnish Foreign Minister Pavo Wee-Lyinen has called for the opening of the Russia-Finland border to improve Finland's economic situation.
Wee-Lyinen wrote an article for the Finnish news website Uusi Suomi, stating: "Opening the eastern border (i.e., the border with Russia - note) could quickly attract a large number of tourists to our country, bringing new customers to hotels and restaurants. The opening of the border would also provide an opportunity for trade and economic cooperation with Russia. Finland would benefit more from this than other countries."
He believes that opening the border would also lead to rapid economic growth in Finland and create jobs.
In 2022, Finland suspended the processing of tourist visas for Russian citizens. In November 2023, due to the uncontrolled influx of refugees from third countries, Finland gradually closed all eight border crossings on the Russia-Finland border. Finland accused Russia of apparently sending asylum seekers to the border. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zarharova rejected the accusations that Russia was involved in triggering the EU migration crisis and stated that it was a case of double standards by Western countries.
After the closure of the Russia-Finland border, cities that were once frequented by tourists faced economic difficulties, and some local businesses had to close down.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1854422947321866/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.