Joined the opening session of the 4th #Baghdad #International #Water Conference. International/ transboundary water cooperation and #Water Diplomacy” is crucial. #Iraq the 1st country from the Middle East and Gulf region to join the UNECE Helsinki Water Convention. Anu M Saarela 💦

Today, on National Veterans’ Day, we raise the flag in honour of war veterans. 🇫🇮

Their generations laid a strong foundation for the society we live in today.

The day is observed on 27 April, the day the Lapland War ended 79 years ago.

💦 Water is not only a source of life but also a source of peace.

💦 The number of people having access to a safe water source has gone up by 1.8 bn since the year 2000.

💦 Still more has to be done.

💦 Finland - together with our outstanding companies - is engaged in water…

Good exchange in Helsinki with EU Special Representative Luigi Di Maio Luigi Di Maio on EU-Gulf Region (GCC) cooperation and on how to contribute to the de-escalation of the Middle East conflicts. We need more political and economic cooperation with the Gulf.

Finland strives for a more gender equal digitalization. Global access to technology is also a human rights matter. Finland co-leads Generation Equality Action Coalition for Technology and Innovation, which is a part of Generation Equality campaign led by UN Women.

#GirlsinICT

Had a good discussion today with President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmud Abbas. We discussed about the situation in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and the Middle East.

FM Elina Valtonen's Special Envoy for #PeaceMediation Suldaan Said Ahmed is finalising his trip to #HornofAfrica .

We thank our partners in Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, AU, IGAD for the warm reception and appreciate our shared commitment to advance dialogue & reconciliation.

Extreme concern about the unbearable level of violence, suffering and the severe food insecurity in Sudan, with the world’s largest displacement crisis at hand. We call for an urgent cessation of hostilities and a coordinated and inclusive peace mediation process.

An important conversation with President of the State of Israel יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog. We discussed the topical situation in the Middle East. We also shared views about Ukraine.

#FAC Elina Valtonen “The pace for European aid for #Ukraine is now really picking up, which is fantastic news. Finland recently announced the 23rd military aid package and also security guarantees for Ukraine, which will see further packages down the road during this year.”

Highlight of last week was the visit of Deputy ED Sabine Böhlke-Möller , Ministry of International Relations & Cooperation ! With State Secretary Jukka Salovaara in the lead we discussed current foreign policy issues and possibilities to deepen further our cooperation e.g. in circular economy, mining & education 🇫🇮🇳🇦 🇪🇺

Phone call with FM of Iran, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. Expressed concern over the situation in the region and urged all parties, incl. Iran, to exercise restraint to avoid further escalation. Called for the release of the vessel MSC Aries. Freedom of navigation must be ensured.

Food for thought at @ulkoministerio
Most grateful to Permanent State Secretary Jukka Salovaara
DG Jari Sinkari DG Sofie From-Emmesberg Lasse Keisalo Pirjo Suomela-Chowdhury for hosting Ambassadors & Chargés d’Affaires of Latin America & Caribbean in #Helsinki at briefing on current issues

In phone call with FM ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz I reiterated our strong condemnation of the Iranian attack and stressed the need for de-escalation. In Gaza the deep humanitarian catastrophe has to be addressed and we urgently need a deal for the release of the hostages and a ceasefire.

Finland means #Defence 🇫🇮🇪🇺

As your Commissioner in charge of defence industry, my role is to visit every EU production site on our continent — to facilitate & accelerate war economy mode for defence production.

Finland plays a central role for both Ukraine & EU security.

consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press…

The EU condemns in the strongest terms the Iranian drone and missile attacks against Israel. In the highly tense regional situation, further escalation can be no one’s interest. The EU is fully committed to contribute to de-escalation and the security of the region.

Lively discussion with the Ambassador of Malawi HE Dr Thomas Bisika on how to deepen our bilateral relations! Also appreciated the possibility to learn about his experiences at the AU and WHO on key priorities in the health sector in Africa 🇫🇮 🇲🇼🇪🇺

Pleased to meet the Ambassador of Zambia HE Gladys Lundwe! Our bilateral relations are in an active phase and still plenty of potential to deepen them further eg in the fields of mining, circular economy, forestry, meteorology, education 🇫🇮🇿🇲🇪🇺

Warm welcome to Finland Ambassador of Angola HE Cecilia Rosario! I valued the possibility to discuss the strengthening of our ties both in the foreign and security policy domain as well as in trade. I expressed my appreciation for Angola’s role in peace mediation. 🇫🇮 🇦🇴🇪🇺