The Russo-Finnish Conference on Forestry, which later became known as the First Russo-Finnish Forest Summit, was held in Moscow on March 1, 2002, during Finnish Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen's visit to Russia. The prime minister's visit resulted in the establishment of a forestry working group with subdivisions focusing on sustainable forestry, woodworking, and forestry investments, operating under the Russo-Finnish Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation. The second forest summit was held by the two heads of government in Helsinki on Oct. 26, 2004, and brought together 200 experts from both countries. Reviewing the implementation of agreements reached earlier in Moscow, the participants noted that cooperation in sustainable forestry and environmental protection had become more active, and that investments in forestry and woodworking were growing.

The third summit took place in St Petersburg on Oct. 25, 2009. The number of participants neared 300, including Russian and Finnish officials, businessmen and scientists. The resolution issued at the forum reflected the progress in the Russo-Finnish joint efforts in the sector and also underscored the need for new forms of cooperation, innovative technologies and products to make the Russian and Finnish woodworking industries more competitive in the rapidly changing global market. The parties agreed to hold such summits at least every three years.