Minister Tuppurainen’s visit to Riga focuses on Ukraine, Finland’s NATO membership and energy

On Monday 6 June, Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Tytti Tuppurainen met in Riga with Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs and with two members of the Latvian Saeima (parliament): Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee Rihards Kols and Chair of the European Affairs Committee Marija Golubeva.

The discussions focused on Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, the EU’s energy policy, the development of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, Finland’s NATO membership process and the rule of law.
 
“Finland and Latvia are close partners. We have a key shared interest in maintaining a stable security situation in the Baltic Sea region. We are also natural partners on many other issues, such as phasing out dependency on energy imports from Russia. As small countries, we know that cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic countries strengthens our ability to influence at the EU table. Regular bilateral discussions between our countries support this work,” said Minister Tuppurainen.
 
The discussions highlighted the need for the EU to increase its pressure on Russia and to continue its active support for Ukraine. With regard to Ukraine’s application for EU membership, it is important to create concrete steps for Ukraine to become an EU Member State.
 
Minister Tuppurainen told her colleagues that as a full member of NATO, Finland would continue to highlight the importance of strengthening the EU’s security and defence cooperation. EU cooperation complements NATO, especially in the sphere of collective defence. Minister Tuppurainen also thanked her colleagues for Latvia’s support in Finland’s NATO membership process.

As far as energy is concerned, the ministers discussed ways to break free from Russian energy imports and to ensure adequate availability of natural gas.
 
While in Riga, Minister Tuppurainen also visited the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence.

Inquiries: Saara Pokki, Special Adviser, tel. +358 50 478 6363, Prime Minister’s Office