Foreign Ministry's press releases

Almost 70 international donor organisations and countries met in Brussels on 16 September, at a high-level Somalia conference. The conference announced a joint set of principles laying down the key priorities and goals for the delivery of aid to Somalia over the next three years. In the Finnish address to the conference, Minister Hautala dealt with the social and economic reconstruction of Somalia and specifically highlighted the importance of improving the position of women and girls.

Ministry for Foreign Affairs 2014 budget proposal

Finland has joined the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). The first funding decision of four million euro for 2013 to 2014 represents additional support to education in developing countries, especially girls’ education.

Donor countries and international organisations are meeting in Brussels on Monday,16 September 2013 for a high-level Somalia conference.

Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja will pay a working visit to Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Turkey on 15–18 September. In addition to bilateral and EU issues, Minister Tuomioja will discuss with the foreign ministers of the countries he visits topical regional and international themes, such as the recent developments in Syria and Egypt. During his visit, Foreign Minister Tuomioja will also meet other state leaders, including the presidents of Serbia and Turkey.

Finland to provide debt relief for Myanmar

The negotiations on Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership between the European Union and the United States were launched in July. The second round of talks will be arranged on the second week of October. The relevant preparations are underway in both the EU and the U.S.

Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja will participate in the seminar in memory of Anna Lindh to be held under the rubric “The EU as a Global Actor for Peace, Democracy and Freedom: Experience and Vision” in Stockholm on 11 September.

Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade Alexander Stubb will travel to Hammerfest, Norway, on 17–19 September. He will be accompanied by representatives from 37 Finnish enterprises, operating in such sectors as construction, technology, energy and shipbuilding. The business delegation was assembled by Finpro.

Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja will participate in the informal meeting of EU Ministers for Foreign Affairs (Gymnich) to be held in Vilnius on 6−7 September.