Current affairs

Finland ended its relief efforts in Kabul as planned on Thursday 26 August. Both the Foreign Ministry’s relief team and the Defence Forces’ unit tasked with safeguarding the efforts have now left Afghanistan. We will continue to provide consular assistance through other means to the extent possible.

The Finnish Government launched the International Gender Equality Prize in 2017, when Finland celebrated the centenary of its independence. The purpose of the prize is to promote gender equality in global contexts and to promote discussion about equality. The nominations are open until 16 May 2021.

In the evening of 7 April 2021, Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen held a bilateral telephone conversation with the new US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto will attend the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday 22 March. The agenda highlights are the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood, Turkey and discussion with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet. In Brussels Minister Haavisto will also attend the meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs on 24 March.

Women, Peace and Security is a key issue in Finland’s foreign and security policy. Finland was one of the first countries to adopt a National Action Plan to implement the United Nations Security council Resolution 1325 on WPS agenda. On the 20th anniversary of Resolution 1325, Finland continues to advance the WPS agenda together with partners around the world.

The central themes in Finland’s new 1325 Action Plan are conflict prevention, crisis management, and strengthening, protecting and safeguarding the human rights of women and girls.