Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul held a meeting with Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen on Tuesday, September 10. The ministers exchanged views on a range of areas, including bilateral relations, regional issues, and cooperation in international fora.

※ Minister Häkkänen visited Korea from September 9 to 11 to attend the REAIM Summit 2024 and the Seoul Defense Dialogue.

Minister Cho recognized the continued high-level exchanges between Korea and Finland, including the Korea-Finland summit during the NATO Summit in July this year, Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s visit to Finland in November last year, and Minister Häkkänen’s current visit to Korea. He also noted that this is the third visit by a Finnish Defence Minister since Korea and Finland established diplomatic relations in 1973 and expressed his hope that this visit will further expand bilateral cooperation.

Minister Cho appreciated their ongoing cooperation in the defense industry and proposed deepening collaboration in nuclear energy as well as science and technology. In addition, he highlighted that the Minister of Defence’s visit with a large economic delegation symbolizes diplomacy in the era of economic security. Minister Häkkänen agreed with Minister Cho’s remarks, expressing his hopes that this visit would contribute to enhancing concrete cooperation between the two countries.

The two ministers also discussed key regional and global issues. Minister Cho expressed concern over North Korea’s ongoing provocations and refusal to engage in dialogue, as well as its illegal military cooperation with Russia, which violates UN Security Council resolutions and threatens peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.

Minister Häkkänen appreciated Korea’s support for Ukraine, emphasizing that, as Finland shares the longest border with Russia among EU member states (nearly 1,300 km), it is crucial for the global community to continue supporting Ukraine. Minister Cho agreed on the need for international solidarity to end the war and restore peace, noting that the Korean government continues to provide humanitarian and financial aid to Ukraine across various sectors.

Furthermore, the two ministers discussed regional developments in depth, including Northeast Asia, and agreed to maintain close communication and cooperation on major international issues.