Trump-Putin summit: Why Helsinki was chosen

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US Pres. Bill Clinton (L) & Russian Pres. Boris Yeltsin warmly shaking hands, all-smiles during summit press conference in March of 1997 in Finland.

Finnish President Sauli Niinisto visited the White House in the summer of 2017, where Trump thanked Finland’s “steadfast support as an ally in the fight against terrorism.” Niinisto has also reportedly congratulated Putin twice in three days, after the Russian leader’s last presidential win. Russian and Finland share a border of about 807.8 miles in length.

“American diplomats often use Helsinki as a resting place on their way to Moscow to recover from jet lag,” Torstila said, adding that Ronald Reagan did just that in 1988.

Geographically speaking, it also makes sense to meet in Finland, given that Trump will be in Europe for other meetings, including with U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May, and that Putin will be nearby in Moscow.

“Helsinki is only a good hour’s flight from Moscow, where Putin will be watching the final of the World Cup on Sunday,” Torstila said.

“The international scenario isn’t in order… Hopefully, this meeting will help lighting up the horizon,” Torstila said, mentioning several conflicts such as the Syrian War.

However, the Finnish role is somewhat limited. “We have the role of host, giving them the best conditions,” he said. “I am very happy we can provide this.”