May 28 the Russian and Finnish delegations met in the Taipale settlement to discuss the possible modernization of the Saimaa Canal.
The idea is to increase the length of the lock chambers and to increase the water level in the canal by 0.1 m.
This would allow for larger vessels to navigate the canal.
The Saimaa canal built in 1856 and renovated in 1963-1968 measures 57.3 km long together with the sea fairway, 23.3 of this is on the territory of Finland, and 34 km on the territory of Russia.
Finland rents the Russian part of the canal, the most recent agreement entered into force in 2012 and expires in 2063.