Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 November 2018
28. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his bilateral meetings with the President of Finland, Mr. Sauli Niinistö and the Prime Minister of Finland, Mr. Juri Sipilä in Helsinki and other meetings he held during his visit. [46991/18]
View answerI travelled to Helsinki earlier this month, where I had bilateral meetings with the President of Finland, Sauli Niinistö, and the Prime Minister of Finland, Juha Sipilä.
Finland and Ireland are like-minded on many issues, and both bilateral meetings were very warm and constructive.
In my meeting with Prime Minister Sipila we discussed Finland’s upcoming Presidency of the EU and a range of issues across the EU agenda including Brexit, migration, and economic issues, such as the Multi-Annual Financial Framework and Economic and Monetary Union. We also looked forward to Finland's upcoming Presidency of the Council of Ministers in the second half of 2019.
In meeting with President Niinistö issues raised included security and defence, external relations, including the EU's relations with Russia, an issue which is of particular concern in Finland.
In both my meetings we also discussed bilateral relations between Finland and Ireland, which are excellent, and agreed to continue work to further strengthen our strategic relationship. I also took the opportunity to thank both leaders for their solidarity throughout the Brexit negotiations.
I attended a networking event later that day, hosted by our Ambassador to Finland, where I met with Irish business, cultural and community representatives.
