Washington, D.C. – Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, making her first official visit to the United States, rallied for unwavering transatlantic unity against Russia’s aggression and pledged sustained support for Ukraine in a forceful speech at the Hudson Institute on Monday.
In a candid address, Valtonen hailed the historic moment of Finland’s NATO membership, declaring it a boon not just for Nordic security but for the entire Alliance. She emphasized Finland’s commitment to burden-sharing, citing its surpassing of the 2% defense spending target and readiness to participate in collective missions.
Beyond military cooperation, Valtonen championed deepened US-Finland ties in technology, calling it a “heavy-weight” partnership and highlighting the burgeoning bilateral defense cooperation agreement. “The protection of our values demands that we remain competitive on a global scale,” she asserted, advocating for a level playing field and free trade within the “euro-atlantic sphere.”
The Foreign Minister then turned her focus to the Middle East, condemning the recent Hamas attack on Israel and urging swift hostage release. However, she stressed the need for “a negotiated two-state solution” and Palestinian Authority strengthening, criticizing continued settler violence.
The alliance between Finland and the United States is closer than ever.
FM @elinavaltonen met with @SecBlinken to discuss Ukraine, the Middle East, and cooperation on defence, trade and technology.
Defense Minister @anttihakkanen signed the Defense Cooperation Agreement. 🇫🇮🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/yqPuaU41b1
— Embassy of Finland in the US 🇫🇮 (@FinlandinUSA) December 18, 2023Moving to Ukraine, Valtonen lauded their “heroic” resolve and condemned Russia’s “monumental strategic error.” She declared Finland a steadfast supporter, citing its leading donor status and ongoing military aid packages. “Ukraine is defending our way of life and the civilized world as we now it,” she stated, calling for sustained international support and a “Peace Formula Summit.”
Addressing China’s role, Valtonen urged it to “speak for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine” and refrain from supporting Russia’s “war of aggression.” She underscored the need for a united rejection of Russia’s “spheres of influence” doctrine, emphasizing that “a free, democratic and prosperous Ukraine will be the best guarantee against future aggressions of any autocracy.”
Many thanks for the warm welcome to Washington, @SecBlinken. A valuable in-depth meeting on a variety of matters. Finland and U.S. are committed to bolstering our bilateral partnership on defence, trade and technology. We are united in our support to Ukraine. 🇫🇮🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/FDAC3xNhN2
— Elina Valtonen (@elinavaltonen) December 18, 2023Concluding her speech, Valtonen warned against complacency, citing Russia’s recent hybrid operation at the Finnish border as a reminder of its ongoing threat. Yet, she remained optimistic, noting the strengthened NATO and EU, both attracting new members. “Unlike Russia, NATO and the EU do not enlarge by force,” she said, reiterating Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and Finland’s support for its eventual EU accession.
“Russia’s cruel, illegal war has, in all its wickedness, opened our eyes and given new momentum to those defending freedom,” Valtonen declared, echoing Ronald Reagan’s words about the constant fight for liberty. “In Finland, we know what we are talking about,” she concluded, urging the West to hold high the “beacon of hope” and defend their shared values in the face of global challenges.