Marin holds tele-conversations with Fernández, Michel

Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Thursday held separate tele conversations with President of Argentina Alberto Fernández and the President of the European Council Charles Michel, said the Prime Minister office in separate press releases.

Marin and Fernández discussed deepening relations and commercial cooperation between the countries and the coronavirus situation.

The Premier told Fernández that Finnish companies have a lot to offer to Argentina in the digital sector.

She also appreciated Argentina’s efforts to promote digital equality, including through education and the development of artificial intelligence.

Marin emphasised that Finland hopes that Argentina will continue to be Finland’s partner as an advocate for international cooperation.

They also discussed the situation in their countries with regard to COVID-19 and the measures taken to combat the pandemic.

Both Finland and Argentina have taken the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 infections seriously, and so far levels of infection in the two countries have remained moderate.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sanna Marin has had a video discussion with President of the European Council Charles Michel on the Union’s recovery package.

Marin informed Michel of Finland’s main views on the European Commission’s proposed multiannual financial framework for 2021–2027 and its proposal for a new EU recovery instrument.

Michel will discuss the recovery package with all EU Heads of State or Government before preparing his proposal on the matter for the European Council. The European Council will convene to negotiate on the package in Brussels on 17–18 July.

Earlier, the EU Heads of State or Government discussed the recovery package for the first time in their videoconference on June 19 but failed to reach to an agreement in this regard.