Press releases, 2.2.2009

Foreign Minister Stubb to attend the Munich Security Conference

Press release 38/2009
2 February, 2009

Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb will participate in the annual Munich Security Conference, which takes place on 6–8 February. The issues to be discussed at this conference, the 45th Munich Security Conference, will include, among others, the future of NATO and the European security architecture, non-proliferation and nuclear weapons issues, challenges of a new world order and regional crises such as those in Afghanistan, the Middle East, the Central Caucasus and the Balkans. In addition to the traditional security policy issues, attention will be paid to new global challenges such as energy and climate policy or cybercrime.

The Munich Security Conference has traditionally been attended by distinguished participants. This year, about 300 prominent decision-makers and experts in foreign, security and defence policy from all over the world are expected to attend. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, the EU High Representative Javier Solana and NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer as well as key representatives of the new US Administration, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Senator John McCain and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger are among those who will participate. More than 40 leaders – prime ministers, foreign ministers and defence ministers – have confirmed their attendance so far.

Foreign Minister Stubb will moderate the discussion to be held in the evening on Friday, the opening day of the conference. In addition, during the trip Stubb will have bilateral meetings with representatives of various countries and organisations.

On his way to Munich, on Friday Stubb will visit Berlin, where he will receive the Europe Award granted by the Heinz Schwarzkopf Foundation. The prize is awarded each year to a person whose actions have made a special contribution to the integration of Europe and its responsible role in the world.

Additional information: Juha Kirstilä, Press Attaché to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, mobile tel. +358 40 552 8200, and Jori Arvonen, Senior Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, mobile tel. +358 50 553 6117. 


 
foreign and security policy