Trump-Putin Summit: Why Helsinki?

World
Europe

01:20

On the eve of the long anticipated Trump-Putin summit the spotlight is falling on its location - Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Our correspondent Nathan King gives us a closer look at why Helsinki.

In 1975 the eyes of the world were on Helsinki. The Helsinki accords as they came to be known, signed by 35 states, including the US and the Soviet Union, led to a period of détente in the cold war. The accords enshrined respect for sovereignty, peaceful resolution of disputes and non-intervention in internal affairs.

And, now Helsinki will play host to perhaps the most watched meeting of the Trump presidency to date.

The choice of Helsinki makes sense. US President Trump was already in Europe for the NATO meeting in Brussels and his visit to the United Kingdom. Finland also neighbors Russia, so Vladimir Putin doesn't have far to travel. After all, the summit is scheduled the day after the World Cup tournament in Russia comes to a close.

Finland has one of the highest standards of living in the world. While neighboring Russia, Finland is a key member of the European Union, but it is not a member of NATO. It has been militarily neutral since the 1960s. It's also a key player in Arctic affairs.

Nathan King, CGTN.