Foreign Minister Tuomioja to South Korea and Japan

Press release 220/2013
15.10.2013

Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja will visit South Korea and Japan on 16–19 October 2013.

In Seoul, South Korea, Foreign Minister Tuomioja will participate in an international high-level conference on cyberspace, hosted by South Korea. The event is continuation for the conferences on cyberspace held in London in 2011 and in Budapest in 2012. Minister Tuomioja will make an address at the conference’s first plenary session on 17 October. The conference will address issues related to cyberspace through the following main themes: Economic Growth and Development, Social and Cultural Benefits, Cybersecurity, International Security, Cybercrime, and Capacity Building. Delegates from almost one hundred countries are expected to participate in the conference. In addition to states, the delegates will also represent international organisations, the private sector and NGOs.

In Seoul, the Foreign Minister will also have bilateral talks with South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs Yun Byung-se. The topics of discussion will include the bilateral relations between Finland and South Korea, the relations between the EU and South Korea, and topics of current interest, such as security situation in East Asia and the Middle East. The Foreign Minister will also meet President of South Korea Park Geun-hye and give an introductory speech at a discussion focusing on mediation. This year marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Finland and South Korea.

In Japan, Minister Tuomioja will meet Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. The ministers will discuss, for example, the bilateral relations between Finland and Japan, the relations between the EU and Japan, and international issues, including security situation in East Asia and the Middle East. In addition, the Foreign Minister will visit the Japan Institute of International Affairs and the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo.

Additional information: Tarja Kangaskorte, Diplomatic Adviser to the Foreign Minister, tel. +358 40 181 9257; Kirsti Kauppi, Director General, Political Department, tel. +358 40 743 3548; and Johan Schalin, Head of Unit for Asia and Oceania, tel. +358 40 776 5028