RIYADH: Finland’s Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Stubb has embarked on a three-nation tour in the region, taking him first to Riyadh on Sunday for talks with high-ranking Saudi officials including Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal.
In his three-day stay here, Stubb will also deliver a major talk entitled “The EU and the New Global Order: The Finnish Perspective” at the King Faisal Foundation auditorium on Monday .
“The main focus of Stubb’s visit is to hold consultations on a range of bilateral and regional issues with special emphasis to the Middle East peace process, Iran, Yemen and climate change as well as energy issues,” said Finnish Ambassador Martti Isoaro.
The diplomat pointed out that Stubb, who will visit Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar for the first time as foreign minister during this trip, would also meet with other senior Saudi officials, including Shoura Council Chairman Abdullah Al-Asheikh. Many other subjects like cooperation in the field of education, the environment and IT would also be taken up for discussions during the bilateral meetings here, he added.
Referring to the growing number of Muslims in Finland, the diplomat said that a number of Muslim refugees and immigrants from war-torn countries like Iraq and Somalia are finding refuge and freedom in Finland.
Since the late 20th century, the number of Muslims has increased rapidly due to immigration, he added, while referring to the peace and tolerance practiced in Finnish society.
About the lecture to be delivered by the Finnish minister here, Isoaro said that the talk will explain the need for European cooperation, which is stronger than ever as the global economy is undergoing significant changes with the rise of the emerging markets.
Stubb will speak about the Lisbon Treaty, while he will reaffirm in his talk as how “the EU must improve the way it makes its foreign policy and step up its involvement beyond European borders.” On the commercial front, the Kingdom and Finland are all set to forge closer ties with the finalization of the draft investment protection agreement.
