Joint statement on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Finland and Ireland

This year, Ireland and Finland celebrate 60 years since diplomatic relations were established in 1962.

To mark this special occasion, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Pekka Haavisto, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland, Simon Coveney, acknowledge the importance of 60 years of excellent bilateral relations and cooperation, and our relations as like-minded multilateral partners.

Ireland and Finland are natural partners whose technological and scientific expertise is capable of creating a sustainable green future. As we make this transition, we recognise the potential to learn from one another on how we can protect our biodiversity and reduce emissions, share expertise and work on effective climate mitigation and adaptation approaches.

Ireland’s Nordic Strategy launched on June 2021 provides a strong framework to deepen Ireland’s bilateral and multilateral engagement with Finland, and is representative both of the already strong relationships between our countries and the potential to grow and deepen these further.

As like-minded EU partners, we will aim for a stronger EU and continue to work together in support of our common values, seeking to promote peace, development and democracy, human rights, the rule of law and effective multilateralism. It is fitting that this year, as Ireland enters the second year of its term on the UN Security Council, Finland starts its term on the UN Human Rights Council.

Finland and Ireland are outward looking nations with long and proud records of contributing to international peacekeeping missions, through which we have developed strong partnerships. We will continue to work towards a safer and more just future, supporting international peace and security and the rules-based international order.

We strongly believe that as nations with smaller populations sharing perspectives at either end of the northern periphery of Europe, we can achieve great things through active and collaborative engagement and cooperation. As we look towards the next 60 years of our relations, we have no doubt the quality and depth of our ties of friendship will only continue to grow.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said:

"This year marks 60 years of bilateral relations and positive cooperation between Ireland and Finland.

"Finland and Ireland are already strong working partners at all levels both bilaterally and multilaterally. As Ireland implements our Nordic Strategy I am determined to continue and to develop this relationship, recognising our commonalities as like-minded international actors, our honest and respectful friendship as nations, and the people to people ties and trading relationships we enjoy.

"The bonds of friendship and connections between our people have developed over the last six decades. Examples such as the contributions of Finland to the Peace Process show how powerful the friendship can be. I look forward to seeing those ties continue to deepen and grow."

Minister of Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto said:

"Finland and Ireland have a long history of joint efforts for peace. These efforts were necessary in achieving the Good Friday Agreement and they continue to be important in today’s world in Europe and globally.

"As we face the present challenges - from climate change to hybrid and cyber threats - our concerns and goals are the same. I look forward to working with our friends in Ireland for a more prosperous and safer world for our people."