HE Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland Elina Valtonen underlined that HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s visit to Finland is highly anticipated and appreciated, noting that the visit reflects the remarkable development in the relations between the two countries in recent years.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency , HE the Minister welcomed HH the Amir’s visit to Helsinki which constitutes important opportunity to highlight the many potentials that can be built upon between the two sides.
Her Excellency noted that the relations between Qatar and Finland have become deeper and stronger over the past decades, and believed that the future is up to the people of both countries to have more interaction in trade and investment, and to discuss ideas and common solutions to various issues and challenges.
Her Excellency pointed to Finland’s interest in the State of Qatar as a future political partner in effectively resolving the Middle East crises, and finding common ground on the Palestinia
n issue to realize the two-state solution, thus achieving a peaceful future in the region and the world. She indicated that Finland defends the international order based on the rules of democracy and freedom.
The Finnish Foreign Minister said that Finland has a lot to offer in the areas of business and economic affairs, including investment and trade; noting the importance of close cooperation between Qatar and Finland and its role in solving many regional and geopolitical problems, such as climate change.
She noted the significance of the 6-hour direct flight between Doha and Helsinki in promoting business and investment, and cultural exchange between the peoples through tourism in both directions, noting that Qatar and Finland have very advanced companies.
Regarding the second round of political consultations between the ministries of foreign affairs of the State of Qatar and the Republic of Finland held in the capital Helsinki last May, HE Minister Elina Valtonen said the consultations were well receive
d by both sides, and revealed many commonalities that can be built upon, indicating that the consultations will be “permanent and regular.” In another context, HE the Finnish Foreign Minister highlighted the important role of the State of Qatar at the regional and international levels, through resolving crises in the Middle East and the world, expressing her country’s appreciation for the Qatari role in the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, and the success of the Qatari mediation in reuniting Ukrainian children with their families.
HE the Minister also praised the role of the State of Qatar and its mediation to reach a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, noting Finland’s aspiration to cooperate with Qatar in this regard, and to ensure the resumption of negotiations related to the two-state solution to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
She affirmed her country’s support for the work of the United Nations and its aspiration to resolve all the issues raised, noting: “Without the United Nations, we will not live
in a rules-based international order, which we need and look forward to improving.” In conclusion, HE Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Elina Valtonen noted that the United Nations can have very important roles, particularly the Security Council, emphasizing everyone’s commitment to the United Nations Charter and the principles of the rules-based international order.
Source: Qatar News Agency