Finland’s Permanent State Secretary at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Jukka Salovaara will represent Finland at the conference. Photo: Markku Ulander / Lehtikuva
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Finland will participate in a high-level international conference in New York aimed at advancing a two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. The meeting, taking place from 28 to 30 July, brings together foreign ministers and senior officials from across the international community.
Jukka Salovaara, Finland’s Permanent State Secretary at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, will represent the country at the event.
The conference has been convened by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and is co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. It was initially scheduled for June but was postponed due to developments in the Middle East.
“Finland supports a two-state solution as the only lasting way to ensure the rights and security of both Israelis and Palestinians,” said Salovaara ahead of the meeting.
He added that sustained international involvement is essential to strengthen the conditions for peace and long-term regional stability.
The conference aims to prepare groundwork for further discussions during the UN General Assembly week in September. Talks are expected to focus on practical measures to promote negotiations and reduce current tensions.
Finland has consistently aligned its Middle East policy with the broader position of the European Union, which calls for a negotiated settlement and the recognition of two independent states.
The participation comes as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to draw international attention. Aid agencies have warned of deteriorating conditions, while diplomatic activity has increased ahead of upcoming UN sessions.
Finland has not made any recent changes to its official position on recognising the State of Palestine, though domestic political pressure has increased following announcements by other European countries, including France, signalling future recognition.
HT
- Next Article Valtonen says Finnish stance on Palestine remains unchanged
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
