merrion street

Finland’s Foreign Minister, Mr Timo Soini, is in Ireland today (Monday) at the invitation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney TD.

The Ministers are travelling to the border region where they will have a bilateral meeting to discuss Brexit and bilateral relations. They will also see at first hand the implications of Brexit for local businesses and border communities generally.

This evening Minister Coveney will host a dinner for Minister Soini in Iveagh House, where they will discuss a range of foreign and EU policy issues, including the future of the EU.

Speaking this morning Minister Coveney said:

“I am delighted to welcome my colleague, Minister Soini, to Ireland. Although he already knows Ireland very well, I welcome this opportunity to show him the border region, and am grateful to him for taking the time to visit Ireland and learn more about our specific concerns. Brexit may have less economic impact on Finland but we greatly appreciate that Finland, like all our EU partners, is supportive of our unique issues."

The visit is part of the Government’s ongoing intensive programme of diplomatic outreach. Minister Coveney said:

“Minister Soini’s visit forms part of the Government's ongoing engagement with the EU institutions and with Ireland's EU partners on Brexit. Ireland is committed to the EU27 and we welcome start of negotiations process. The EU is well-prepared and we will maintain EU27 unity in the weeks and months ahead.”

Minister Coveney also congratulated Minister Soini on the 100th anniversary of Finnish independence this year.