According to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Timo Soini, the future of the European Union is at stake due to possible Brexit, refugee and euro crises and tense relations with Russia, among other things. « I’m not a fan of the EU, but I don’t enjoy this situation, » the Minister said on Monday at a foreign policy seminar. According to Mr Soini, EU does not need more integration but decision-making close to the people who have lost their faith in the Union. The Minister supports closer collaboration between EU and NATO, and wants joint actions from the Union towards Russia.

Media:  Turun Sanomat

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met his Finnish counterpart Timo Soini (Finns) on Tuesday. Mr Zarif, whom the article calls the « pin-up boy of international politics », said that Iran will not negotiate its missile program with the US. He said that the interest in Iran is huge, but that the banks’ operations are the only obstacle. Iran is interested in Finnish expertise in transport, cleantech, agriculture and information technology. Mr Zarif dodged the questions about Iran’s democracy, the status of minority peoples, such as Arabs, Azeris and Kurds. Mr Soini said in general terms that Finnish companies should consider the human rights issues. « Companies have social responsibility. If human rights are not in order, it is harmful for business in the long run. This will be addressed at national and EU level, » said Mr Soini. He described Mr Zarifet as « moderate, sharp and very professional ».

Finland’s President Sauli Niinistö has commented on Finland’s foreign and security policy in YLE’s Ykkösaamu. President Niinistö said he would organise a referendum on Finland’s possible NATO membership. He thinks it would be such a major change in Finland’s foreign policy that the people must have their say in it. President Niinistö thinks referendums are part of democracy.

Media:  Helsingin Sanomat (E-edition) 

Date: 29.5.2016

Journalist: Eeva Palojärvi

Main source: President Sauli Niinistö

President Sauli Niinistö spoke about his visit to the United States in an interview with Lännen Media. The President does not believe the relations between Finland and the US will change after the election of the new US President. In the US, he wanted to hear about Syria and there were actually long talks about the issue. The President believes the Syria question can improve the relations between the US and Russia. He has understood that the ceasefire in Syria was based on negotiations between these two countries. President Niinistö adds that the situation in Syria looks better than before.

President Sauli Niinistö spoke at the spring meeting of Finnish Defence Association, Maanpuolustusyhdistys, this week. He said that Finland’s security and foreign policy has not changed though some had claimed so. Finland has reacted to the situation but not overreacted, the President explained. In his speech, President Niinistö emphasised collaboration with Sweden as well as transatlantic relations. He hopes that Finland and Sweden would do their best to improve the stability of the Baltic Sea region.

Media:  Ilta-Sanomat

Date: 6.4.2016

Journalist: Mika Lehto

Main source: President Sauli Niinistö

Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini and Turkey’s Minister for European Affairs Volkan Bozkir met in Helsinki on Wednesday last week. The Ministers did not discuss Cyprus in their meeting. The Ministers believe that the agreement between Turkey and EU facilitate their work in the refugee crisis. They also emphasise the excellent relations and flourishing collaboration between the two nations. In addition to the refugee crisis, the Ministers discussed Turkey’s and EU’s cooperation in terrorism prevention. Minister Soini mentioned at the beginning of the meeting that the Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu will visit Finland on 6 April.

According to Foreign Minister Timo Soini, Libya will be the next transit country for immigrants trying to get to Europe since the EU and Turkey have closed the route from Turkey. Libya will need advice on border and police force issues, which is a task more suitable for the EU than for NATO. Mr Soini predicts that Libya and the EU will eventually reach a similar agreement as the EU-Turkey agreement. Mr Soini met with his British counterpart Philip Hammond on Monday, and discussed the situation in Libya as well as the British EU-referendum. Mr Hammond believes the Brits will vote to remain in the EU. If Britain leaves the Union, other member states might consider leaving, too. Mr Soini did not want to estimate, whether Finland should consider holding an EU-referendum if Britain leaves the EU.

Finland’s President Sauli Niinistö and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin met on Tuesday in Moscow and announced that the border stations in Salla and Raja-Jooseppi will be closed for the next six months from other than Finnish, Russian and Belarusian citizens. President Niinistö believes this will be done as soon as possible. President Niinistö is satisfied with the agreement. In addition, President Putin thoroughly evaluated the situation in Syria to President Niinistö. The Finnish President also commented on the terrorist attack in Brussels. He said that Finns should be vigilant, and be prepared for that something like this could also happen in Finland. He is hopeful that Finland can approach these questions and safeguard its citizens so that basic values are maintained.