President and Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discuss situation in Middle East, equality and non-discrimination as part of Finland's foreign policy, Finland’s support to Ukraine, topical NATO issues and EU defence cooperation

On Friday 4 October, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed Finland’s Middle East policy, the situation in the Middle East and the security of Finns in the region.

Finland condemns Iran's missile attack on Israel and calls all parties to show restraint. In order to avoid wider escalation, an immediate ceasefire and release of hostages are needed in the Middle East. Finland reaffirms its support for the UN system. Finland is closely monitoring the situation of Finnish nationals in the region and is prepared to take action as necessary.

In the long term, the key issue is to find a sustainable solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. This should be based on a two-state solution negotiated between the parties.

The President and the Ministerial Committee stated that, in accordance with the Government Report on Finnish Foreign and Security Policy and the Report on International Economic Relations and Development Cooperation, Finland will continue its long-term human rights policy of promoting and defending the rights of women, girls, people with disabilities, indigenous peoples and gender and sexual minorities, and other people in particularly vulnerable positions.

The President and the Ministerial Committee also discussed Finland’s participation in the EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM) in support of Ukraine. Finland will continue its participation in EUMAM Ukraine with a maximum of 60 soldiers serving in training and advisory tasks.

In addition, the President and the Ministerial Committee had a discussion on topical NATO issues and the upcoming meeting of NATO defence ministers, and received a briefing on Finland–China relations.

Inquiries: Petri Hakkarainen, Director General, tel. +358 295 351 130, Anna-Kaisa Heikkinen, Director General, tel. +358 295 350 739, Jussi Tanner, Director General of Consular Services, tel. +358 295 350 246 and Jari Sinkari, Head of Unit, tel. +358 295 350 038, Ministry for Foreign Affairs; Janne Kuusela, Director General, tel. +358 295 140 300, Ministry of Defence

The email addresses of the Finnish Government are in the format [email protected]