Tánaiste meets with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris hosted a visit from Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen this afternoon in Iveagh House. The Ministers held discussions covering a range of topics including bilateral relations, support for Ukraine, European security and competitiveness.

The Tánaiste said: “Finland is a close partner and Nordic neighbour with a similar population size and advanced economy. There are resonances of historical experiences and a kindred spirit that have shaped the outlook of both our countries as advocates for a rules-based international order that protects our interests. We have a long history of cooperation in peacekeeping and peacebuilding including Finland’s own contribution to peace on this island. In recent years, we have deepened our relationship through our Global Ireland Nordic Baltic Strategy.

“As like-minded partners across many areas in the EU, I was pleased to have the opportunity for in-depth discussion with Foreign Minister Valtonen about our shared priorities. Working together, we will seek to enhance European competitiveness and deepening of the Single Market.

“We can also learn from each other and face any difficulties together. No state acting alone can address the entirety of existing and emerging challenges so a meeting like today’s enhances understanding and makes us stronger.

“We stand in full solidarity with Ukraine at this critical moment for European security. Together with our EU partners, we will continue to support Ukraine in the face of Russia’s continuing aggression and work to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.”

The visit of Elina Valtonen was the first visit by a Finnish Foreign Minister to Ireland since 2017. Following her visit to Dublin, the Foreign Minister will travel to Belfast to deliver the annual Harri Holkeri lecture at Queen’s University. The title of her lecture is, 'Peace mediation in the age of geopolitical contestation'.

Global Ireland: A Strategy for the Nordic Region to 2025 was launched in 2021. The strategy is due to be renewed.

Finland actively supported the Northern Ireland peace process. Former Finnish Prime Minister Harri Holkeri participated in the multi-party peace negotiations, which culminated in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement and was a member of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD). Queen’s University hold an annual lecture to mark this contribution.