Minister Tuppurainen’s visit to Washington, DC highlights importance of strong transatlantic relationship

During her visit to Washington, DC on 8–11 May, Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Tytti Tuppurainen took part in the Munich Leaders Meeting organised by the Munich Security Conference and had several high-level discussions with her international colleagues on the security situation in Europe and other topical issues.

The Munich Leaders Meeting focused on the heightened importance of transatlantic cooperation since Russia began its war of aggression in Ukraine. At the meeting, Minister Tuppurainen gave two high-level presentations on transatlantic defence cooperation and the next steps in the cooperation between Europe and the United States.
 
While in Washington, Minister Tuppurainen had bilateral meetings with several colleagues, including President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani and Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis. Both discussions focused in particular on the impact of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine on the security situation in Europe. The discussion with Minister Landsbergis also addressed the security situation in the Baltic Sea region and Finland’s possible application for NATO membership in more detail.
 
Minister Tuppurainen also met with several senators and members of the United States House of Representatives and spoke with Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. 

“During the visit, it became clear that the transatlantic relationship is strong. Finland’s views and security policy solutions have attracted a great deal of interest around the world during this historical period. We are grateful to the United States for the strong support it is showing to Europe and Finland as the war launched by Russia undermines European security. In the end, the transatlantic relationship is based on shared values, freedom, democracy and the rule of law,” said Minister Tuppurainen.
 
Munich Leaders Meetings are organised by the Munich Security Conference once or twice a year in different capitals around the world. This time, around 80 high-level decision-makers and experts took part in the event in Washington, DC. 
 
Inquiries: Saara Pokki, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 295 160 620, Prime Minister’s Office