Minister for Foreign Affairs Soini: Efficient Arctic cooperation requires contribution by all countries of the area

Press release 24/2016
1 February 2016

Finland is an active player in the Arctic cooperation. Global warming highlights the importance of safeguarding the fragile environment and people's living conditions in the region. In addition, the Arctic region offers economic opportunities, emphasized Foreign Minister Timo Soini, in his address at an event organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington on Monday 1 February 2016.

In his speech, Foreign Minister Soini reiterated the message he communicated to US President Obama at the GLACIER Conference last autumn: Finland can help. We have high-level expertise in several fields that are of fundamental importance in the Arctic regions. For instance, 60 per cent of all icebreakers in the world have been built in Finland.

The Arctic region is also an important security environment. The security policy situation in Europe has changed following Russia's military activities and occupation of Crimea. The stability of the Arctic region must also be followed carefully. All the member states and observers of the Arctic Council should work together to maintain the security of the region, Soini reminded in his speech.

In Arctic cooperation, much can be achieved, but that demands cooperation in which all the countries participate. In the midst of international tensions, a practical approach should be adopted. Russia has expressed willingness of cooperation in the Arctic Council's work.

Finland will assume the Chairmanship of the Arctic Council after the USA in 2017. We believe that continuity is the most important element of the Artic Council's work and the outgoing, present and incoming chairmanships must work together. Both Finland and the USA are committed to this, Minister Soini stressed.

Inquiries: Raili Lahnalampi, Chief of Cabinet, Office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 50 550 7546.