Finland’s new action plans set the course for transatlantic cooperation
Press Release 332/2011
7 December 2011
In accordance with the Government Programme, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has compiled action plans for the United States and Canada, which were made public at the House of the Estates on 7 December.
The action plans examine the state of transatlantic cooperation and set goals for closer cooperation in the future. The various Government ministries as well as representatives from a comprehensive range of stakeholders, business and industry, research institutes and civil society organisations took part in drawing up the new action plans.
According to Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja, who presented the action plans, the preparation process in itself was useful in bringing together actors from different areas of Finnish society. The cooperation resulted in a wide range of objectives, the implementation of which the Ministry for Foreign Affairs will monitor together with the stakeholders. The action plans will be updated as needed.
Intensification of economic relations in different ways and, in particular, the promotion of Finnish exports are key objectives of both action plans. Other significant areas of common interest both between Finland and the United States and between Finland and Canada include the promotion of international security and human rights issues.
The Foreign Ministry has previously published action plans, among others, for Russia, China, Arctic issues and Afghanistan.
Additional information: Ms. Anna Wickström-Noejgaard, Head of Unit for North America, mobile tel. +358 40 849 3391 or Ms. Susanna Parkkonen, Press Attaché to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, mobile tel. +358 50 377 5601,
The action plans:
Finland and the United States of America: Transatlantic Cooperation (Opens New Window)
Finland’s United States Action Plan
(PDF, MFA 7 December 2011)
Finland and Canada: Northern Partners (Opens New Window)
Finland’s Canada Action Plan
(PDF, MFA 7 December)
Webcast: