The Russian president sends greetings to 36 countries and heads of state. The Nordic neighbors Sweden and Finland are both on the list.

On December 30, the Kremlin sent greetings with congratulations for the new year to a large number of governments and heads of state. But not all countries receive a greeting from the Russian president.

On list of 36 countries is not Norway, the neighboring country that shares a 198 km long northern northern border with Russia. The two countries share vast waters in the Barents Sea.

The new Norwegian government has made it clear that aims to intensify the political dialogue with Russia. The policy document issued when the government took office in November underlines that “bilateral cooperation with Russia will be further developed”, with an emphasis on marine resources, climate and coastal issues in the Barents Sea and the Arctic.

It also states that “new co-operation initiatives will be taken in relations with neighboring countries”, and that “common meeting points” for foreign policy and security dialogue will be established.

At the same time, both Sweden and Finland are among the countries that the Russian president visits.

In his statement to Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, Putin emphasized that the bilateral relationship had a constructive and good neighborly character.

“The Russian head of state also expresses hope for the continuation of joint work on key issues on the bilateral and international agenda,” the Kremlin said. informs.

In her greeting to Sweden’s new Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, Putin expresses hope for a constructive development of the bilateral political dialogue and that issues of trade, economic relations and humanitarian relations meet the central interests of both countries.

Among the recipients of Putin’s New Year greetings are also important European countries such as Germany, France, Spain and Italy. He also greets several international organizations, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as well as leaders of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the IOC, FIFA, UEFA and the International Judo Federation.

However, the EU is not among those greeted. Nor do the neighboring countries, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. And of course not Ukraine.

Related stories from all over the Nordics:

Canada: Joe Savikataaq reflects on covid-19, ransomware and three years as Prime Minister of Nunavut, Canada, CBC News

Finland: With a spirit of co-operation, Finland is aiming for Arctic Russia, Independent Barents Observer

Greenland: Greenland is striving to increase its profile in China with a new office in Beijing, Eye on the Arctic

Iceland: The Nordic countries should strive for a common approach to China’s Arctic involvement, the report says, Eye of the Arctic

Norway: The Norwegian army begins training with armored mines near Russia’s border, Independent Barents Observer

Russia: Moscow is strengthening its presence on Svalbard as part of the hybrid strategy, warns the expert, Independent Barents Observer

Sweden: Nordic countries discuss post-pandemic recovery for emergency and crisis cooperation, Swedish Radio

United States: Home Office report calls for higher oil and gas taxes, Alaska Senator Murkowski, Alaska Public Media