Minister of the Interior Rantanen visits Iraq

Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen is currently visiting Iraq, where she will meet the Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Minister of the Interior Abdul Amir al-Shammari and other leaders of the country’s government. The purpose of the meetings is to strengthen the bilateral relations between Finland and Iraq in the internal security sector and to promote cooperation in questions concerning returns.

During the meetings, the ministers will discuss the recent changes and developments in the countries’ security environment. Finland and Iraq have been partners in the internal security sector for a long time, and there is a desire to further intensify cooperation on e.g. police and border security matters.

“Iraq is a key partner for Finland and the European Union in counter-terrorism, where the contribution of the Iraqi authorities is significant. As part of the EU, Finland supports counter-terrorism measures, in particular in its role as a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS. Counter-terrorism in Iraq strengthens Finland’s security too,” Minister of the Interior Rantanen says.

“We value our seamless and ever developing cooperation with Iraq on returns as well as Iraq’s support for Finland’s efforts to combat the phenomenon of illegal entry. It is important that our asylum and residence permit systems function well and that Finland is able to return those with a negative decision to their home countries,” Rantanen adds.

During her visit in Iraq, Minister Rantanen will also meet civilian leadership of the NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) and Finnish staff of the EU’s civilian crisis management mission (EUAM) and NMI.

Inquiries:
Jenna Kuitunen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 276, [email protected]