Finland for dialogue as EU FMs to discuss Eastern Europe security

Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto will represent Finland in the two-day Informal Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs (Gymnich) of European Union member states beginning on Thursday in in Brest, France, said the Foreign Ministry in a press release on Wednesday.

The topics on the agenda include the security situation in Eastern Europe and the relationship between the European Union and China.

In the context of the topic focusing on the security situation in Eastern Europe, ministers will discuss Belarus and, in particular, Russia’s recent actions at the Ukrainian border and Russia's demands for security guarantees.

In efforts to find a solution to the situation, Finland emphasises dialogue and diplomacy, said the Foreign Ministry press release, adding, it is important that all relevant parties take part in discussions on European security.

In the meeting, EU foreign and defence ministers will exchange views on the Strategic Compass for European security and defence cooperation.

Haavisto will also attend a lunch meeting on the relations between the EU and the African Union, hosted by France’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian.

The foreign ministers will hold a strategic debate on the current state of the relationship between the EU and China. China is a key trading partner for the EU and its Member States and an important player in global issues. In its relations with China, the EU must strengthen its independent, value based capacity.

At lunch, foreign and defence ministers will discuss the Strategic Compass that aims to set out a vision for the EU’s security and defence cooperation.

The aim of the Strategic Compass is to elaborate on the jointly agreed goals in respect of crisis management, support of partners, and protection of the European Union and its citizens. Finland’s objective is to reach a comprehensive Strategic Compass that develops and strengthens the EU’s Common Foreign, Security and Defence Policy, the press release added.