Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen calls for ceasefire and humanitarian aid during seminar in Luumäki

During a visit to the Kotkaniemi seminar in Luumäki on Thursday, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen addressed the situation in the Middle East. Valtonen emphasized that the immediate priority is to establish a ceasefire agreement for Gaza and to secure the release of hostages. She also stressed the need to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Valtonen reiterated Finland’s unwavering stance regarding the Middle East, including the Israel-Palestine conflict, stating that Finland supports a two-state solution. She affirmed, “Our position is completely unchanged,” and added that Finland will recognize the state of Palestine once negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting peace through the two-state framework have commenced. “There are no two ways about it,” she continued.

When asked about the reopening of the border between Finland and Russia, Valtonen noted that the situation will likely be re-evaluated in the fall. “For the time being, the border remains closed,” she stated.