Foreign Minister Valtonen to visit Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia

Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will visit Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia on 13–15 October. This is her first visit to the South Caucasus as the Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

During her visit, Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen will meet high-level officials of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia and representatives of civil society and think tanks.

“In Armenia and Azerbaijan, our discussion will focus on the normalisation of the relations between the two countries. Important steps have been made towards the goal this year. Finland supports the countries’ efforts to achieve a lasting peace,” says Minister Valtonen. 

The visit to Georgia will focus on the Geneva International Discussions (GID) that address the consequences of the 2008 war. The OSCE plays an important role in co-chairing the GID. During her visit, the Minister will also focus on the state of civil society in Georgia.

“Shrinking civic space in Georgia is of grave concern. The aim of my visit is to show support to the country's civil society, which works tirelessly for human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Finland’s goal as OSCE Chair is to strengthen the role of free civil society in promoting European security and OSCE principles,” says Minister Valtonen.

As OSCE Chair, Finland systematically calls attention to the Helsinki Final Act’s principles, which have been in place since 1975. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Helsinki Final Act.