Foreign Ministry's press releases

The European Union organised an extensive meeting on Monday, 19 November, when Foreign Affairs, Defence and Development Ministers gathered in Brussels. Finland was represented by Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva, Foreign Trade and Development Minister Paavo Väyrynen and Defence Minister Jyri Häkämies. The Council was combined to a joint session of Foreign and Defence Ministers, and, for the first time, to a joint session of Defence Ministers and Development Ministers.

Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Paavo Väyrynen met with Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson in Brussels on Monday, 19 November. The topic of their talks was the Russian export duties levied on roundwood, which is one of the key issues in the process of Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Mandelson stated that the Commission expects Russia to propose a compromise in the very near future.