EU foreign affairs ministers discuss China and Asia relations

EU foreign affairs ministers will hold an informal video conference on Friday 29 May. Finland’s representative at the meeting will be Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto. The main topic on the agenda will be China.

Foreign ministers will focus on the preparation of future EU–China summits. The next EU–China summits are expected to produce concrete progress in matters relating to climate and environmental cooperation and in questions pertaining to the rules-based multilateral international system.

Finland is concerned about the possible escalation of the situation in Hong Kong. For the stability and prosperity of the region, it is essential that the ‘one country, two systems’ policy is observed and the autonomy of the Special Administrative Region (SAR) is respected.

Foreign ministers will also exchange views on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the Asia and Pacific region. Finland considers that the EU must strengthen its economic and political partnerships and continue efforts to expand the EU's network of free trade agreements in the region. Finland supports the EU’s efforts to develop its relations in the region making use of the European green growth programme, the Green Deal.

Inquiries: Matti Nissinen, European Correspondent, tel. +358 295 351 780

The Foreign Ministry’s email addresses are in the format [email protected].