The new foreign minister hopes for continuity in foreign policy
Stubb stressed that he would continue the foreign policy lines followed by his predecessors and said that the Government Programme is the foundation on which the foreign minister’s actions should be based. Stubb mentioned the OSCE Chairmanship lasting the calendar year 2008 as the greatest single challenge. This work has got off to a good start thanks to Ilkka Kanerva’s active efforts, Stubb said in appreciation.
Foreign policy a holistic entity – cooperation needed
The new minister saw foreign policy as a holistic entity where Finland has many differing spheres of operation. In the Baltic Sea region, cooperation is carried out, in particular, with the Nordic countries, the Baltic states and Russia. Naturally the EU is a pivotal sphere of operation in Europe for Finland, too.
Stubb hoped he would be able to work in close cooperation in many directions and with a wide range of foreign policy actors. Aside from the Government discussions, the Cabinet sets foreign policy together with the President of the Republic. The minister said he had already had discussions with President Halonen twice, on Wednesday morning and on Friday in connection with his appointment as foreign minister.
Stubb also emphasised his wish to continue parliamentarisation of foreign policy and to work in close cooperation with the Finnish parliament.
Foreign policy the whole nation’s affair
Stubb said that while a member of the European Parliament, he had toured the Finnish provinces and visited, among others, at 80 senior secondary schools. “Foreign policy isn’t a mystical genre,” the minister stressed, and said he hoped Finnish discussion of foreign policy would be brisk.
The minister expressed his gratitude for the support he had received, and revealed that he is just a little nervous about his new task. Stubb reported knowing on the basis of earlier experience that the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is a fantastic place full of skilled civil servants. Stubb also hoped for good, brisk debate within the Ministry itself.
Russia primarily an opportunity
When answering questions, the minister said that he had received a congratulatory telegram from the foreign minister of Russia, for which he extended his thanks. Russia is primarily an opportunity for Finland: there are opportunities as partners and neighbours, secondly, for instance, in the sectors of trade and tourism, and thirdly stemming from the fact that Russia is a major international actor. Of the challenges facing Russia, Stubb mentioned democracy, the rule of law and freedom of expression. Stubb did not see any threats. The minister said he would try to make telephone contact with Sergei Lavrov immediately on the next workday.
He assured that he would strive to continue his predecessor’s active approach in Finland’s relations with the Unites States. A time for the minister’s meeting with his American colleague is being sought at present.
From the press conference the new foreign minister proceeded straight to his first meeting with a foreign colleague, for talks with Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt, who is on a brief visit to Helsinki.