Marin, Merkel discuss Poland issue, ties with Turkey, Russia China

Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Wednesday met with Germany’s outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin and discussed various bilateral, European Union and international issues, said an official press release.

During the meeting they exchanged views about key issues on the European Union’s agenda, such as the situation in Poland, strengthening the rule of law in Europe, responding to the pandemic and improving vaccine coverage, fiscal policy rules, and competitiveness.

They discussed relations with Turkey on the one hand, and with Russia and China on the other.

They addressed the European Union’s greater strategic autonomy, its functioning capacity and ways to safeguard European competence and competitiveness in the changing international operating environment.

Their discussion also emphasised the importance of unity in the EU.

In their discussions, Marin and Merkel highlighted how bilateral relations between the two countries have become even closer during Merkel’s term as Chancellor and how Finland and Germany today are largely like-minded when it comes to important issues in EU policy and on the international agenda.

Earlier on Tuesday, Marin met with acting Minister of Finance and Vice-Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz, who is leading the German government coalition talks currently under way.

They discussed the current political situation and topical EU matters, such as climate and energy policy.

During her visit in Berlin, Marin also met with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and attended the World Health Summit organised by WHO.

The Prime Minister’s opening keynote speech at the summit’s closing session focused on the economy of wellbeing.