Foreign Minister Valtonen to attend EU foreign ministers’ meeting

EU foreign affairs ministers will convene for a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 11 May.

The meeting will focus on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and the Western Balkans. In connection with the Foreign Affairs Council, the EU, together with Canada and Ukraine, will host a high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. The aim is to strengthen international cooperation and coordinate measures to address the unlawful deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children by Russia.

“We will continue our strong support for Ukraine and its path towards EU membership. We are pleased that the EUR 90 billion loan package and the 20th sanctions package have been adopted. It is important to start preparations for the next sanctions package immediately,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.

Within the Foreign Affairs Council, foreign ministers will also discuss the situation in the Middle East.

“As a part of the EU, we will continue our efforts to increase peace and stability in the Middle East. Finland engages in discussions with the countries in the region and coordinates its policy in close cooperation with its partners. Finding sustainable solutions requires diplomacy, negotiations and respect for international law,” says Foreign Minister Valtonen.

In the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council, the ministers will also have an informal exchange over breakfast with the Western Balkans countries. In addition, they will informally exchange views with Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand.