Russia’s actions worry PM in talk with Guterres

Prime Minister Sanna Marin and UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday held a telephone conversation and discussed various issues including the security situation in Europe.

Marin expressed her serious concern over Russia’s actions, which have weakened the security situation in Europe, said a press release issued by the Finnish government.

The discussion emphasised the importance of respecting the UN Charter and the role of the UN as a defender of peace and stability.

The Premier stressed the importance of dialogue, the role of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the value of the fundamental principles of European security.

They also discussed the ways to strengthen the UN and the multilateral international system. They highlighted global challenges such as climate change and discussed the opportunities offered by digitalisation.

The discussion highlighted the Our Common Agenda (OCA) report published by Secretary-General Guterres in September, which seeks to strengthen multilateralism and reinvigorate the United Nations as a whole.

Finland especially welcomes the report’s strong emphasis on improving digital cooperation. Its focus on engaging youth and developing a new agenda for peace is also very important.

Marin congratulated Guterres on his second term as Secretary-General, which began at the beginning of the year. She also thanked the Secretary-General for his leadership in dealing with the pandemic and addressing climate issues.