President Sauli Niinistö has praised the economic relations between Finland and Japan. The President visited Japan last week, and he said that Japan is one of Finland’s most important partners outside the EU. Japanese companies are also significant investors in Finland. According to President Niinistö, these investments have turned out successful in recent years. The Japanese Itochu is a shareholder in Metsä Fibre, which is building a giant bio product plant in Äänekoski, and Softbank from Japan has bought the majority in Supercell.

Media:  Keskisuomalainen 

Date: 10.3.2016

Journalist: STT

Main source: President Sauli Niinistö

The American Foreign Policy discussed Finland’s special relationship with Russia in its latest issue. Foreign Affairs Minister Timo Soini says in the newspaper’s interview that Finland must know where it stands. « As a small country we know that when big countries fight it is better to be in the audience than in the ring, » he says. It is extremely important to maintain good relations with Russia, he continues. According to Minister Soini, he can never underestimate Russia’s military power and decision making skills. « If it decides to do something, it will, » he points out. No western country can compete with Russia’s determination, and we must remember this at all times. In Foreign Policy, Minister Soini calls Russia a country full of chess players. « Whether we like it or not, they will make moves that are best for them. »

Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini thinks the result of the EU-Turkey summit is a definition of policy rather than a breakthrough. « A small step ahead but we still have a long way to go, » Soini said in the Huomenta Suomi morning TV show. The biggest problem in EU’s refugee policy has been the implementation of decisions. Minister Soini thinks that the relocation of 160,000 refugees has been a complete failure. A total of 500 – 600 refugees have been relocated. Finland wants to stop the flow of refugees. Minister Soini thinks that the original causes of the problem should be affected, such as human trafficking. He adds that EU countries must see to that Turkey implements the agreed measures.