HELSINKI - The selection of the Finnish capital city as the site for the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was seen on Thursday as a recognition of the long tradition in Finland as a host for east-west talks.

Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said in a written statement that Finland has consistently promoted dialogue. Niinisto noted that during the past year, US and Russian deputy foreign ministers, as well as the two countries' military chiefs, have met in Finland.

"The meeting of the heads of state brings this dialogue to a highest level," he noted. "Even small steps in reducing international tension would be in everyone's interest," he said.

Niinisto said that in his private meetings with the presidents he will take up Finnish concerns about tension in the Baltic and issues related to Arctic cooperation, particularly the objective of reducing black carbon emissions.