HELSINKI, Finland – Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot and her Finnish counterpart Elina Valtonen reaffirmed the strong bonds between their nations on Tuesday, pledging closer cooperation in a world increasingly shaped by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
“As longtime friends, close EU partners, and now NATO allies, the Netherlands and Finland stand united in many areas,” Bruins Slot declared after their meeting in Helsinki. “We discussed our cooperation, including for a strong NATO and a secure and resilient Europe.”
The burgeoning crisis in Ukraine cast a long shadow over the discussions. Both ministers expressed profound concern about the ongoing Russian attacks targeting civilians and infrastructure. “We agreed that more and structural support for Ukraine is the only right response,” Bruins Slot emphasized, commending Finland’s vital contributions to the international effort.
As longtime friends, close EU partners and now NATO allies, the Netherlands and #Finland stand united in many areas. Pleasure to be welcomed in Helsinki by @elinavaltonen and to discuss our cooperation, including for a strong @NATO and a secure and resilient Europe. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/9pjhAVH6P8
— Hanke Bruins Slot (@HankeBruinsSlot) January 10, 2024Beyond Ukraine, the Middle East also figured prominently in their talks. The ministers discussed the risk of regional escalation and the international community’s response. Bruins Slot reiterated the Netherlands’ call for a temporary humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, stressing the urgency of delivering much-needed aid to the embattled population.
FM @elinavaltonen: Good to welcome FM @HankeBruinsSlot in Helsinki and continue deepening 🇫🇮🇳🇱bilateral partnership as allies. Good discussion on European security and EU’s enlargement. Firm support to Ukraine continues. pic.twitter.com/AHd2b3xR8b
— MFA Finland 🇫🇮 (@Ulkoministerio) January 10, 2024