Helsinki, Finland – April 28, 2024 – Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen is set to meet with her Norwegian counterpart, Espen Barth Eide, in Helsinki tomorrow for a high-level discussion on regional and international issues.
The meeting comes at a critical time, with the ongoing war in Ukraine casting a long shadow over European security. The foreign ministers are expected to focus their discussions on bilateral relations between Finland and Norway, but the agenda also includes pressing regional matters.
High on the list of priorities will be European security cooperation, particularly in light of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. The discussions will likely delve into the current state of NATO, of which Finland is a recent member, and its role in addressing the ongoing conflict. Additionally, the situation in the Middle East is expected to be part of the talks.
“Finland and Norway share an excellent and close relationship, one that has grown even stronger since Finland joined NATO,” said Foreign Minister Valtonen. “Our Nordic partners are critical allies, and this meeting provides a valuable opportunity to exchange views on pressing foreign policy and security concerns.”
The visit will also include a meeting between Norwegian Foreign Minister Eide and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.