Prime Minister Orpo cultivates Finland’s relations with Latin American and Caribbean countries

The leaders of the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) met at a two-day summit in Brussels on 17 and 18 July. The aim of the third EU-CELAC Summit was to enhance cooperation and demonstrate a shared commitment to maintaining the rules-based international order.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Orpo spotlighted the challenging international situation. He emphasised that the Summit must send a strong message that the EU and CELAC countries will defend the rules-based international order, international justice, democracy and human rights.

“Together we must strongly condemn Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. Finland supports Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is vital that our partners do the same. It is also important to Latin America and the Caribbean for Russia to agree to continue the Black Sea Grain Initiative,” said Prime Minister Orpo.

Prime Minister Orpo emphasised the importance of cooperation in the fight against climate change and other global challenges. He also underlined the need to develop trade relations.
“Finland has excellent solutions to offer partners in areas such as the circular economy, energy efficiency and 5G technology. We want to boost cooperation with our CELAC partners in these areas,” the Prime Minister said.

In meetings with CELAC leaders in connection with the summit, Prime Minister Orpo also stressed the importance of closer cooperation based on shared values and interests and the development of trade relations. Prime Minister Orpo had bilateral meetings with President of Chile Gabriel Boric, President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinader and Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley.

Inquiries: Tuomas Tikkanen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 40 523 5768 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office