Photo: Boštjan Podlogar/Office of the President of the Republic of Slovenia
Slovenia and Finland strengthen cooperation in addressing global and security challenges
President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar met with President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb during a working visit to the Republic of Finland. The visit represents a continuation of the regular and close political dialogue between the two countries. Discussions focused on bilateral relations, strengthening cooperation in the fields of security and the economy, as well as current European and international issues, including the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, the enlargement of the European Union, and the European perspective of the Western Balkans.
Publish date Helsinki, Finland,
During the talks, the President of the Republic emphasized that Slovenia and Finland enjoy excellent and friendly relations based on shared European values, respect for international law, and a commitment to democracy and human rights. She highlighted the importance of further strengthening cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the economic sphere, where she sees significant opportunities for growth.
A substantial part of the discussions was devoted to the current security situation in Europe and globally. The President of the Republic and the President of the Republic of Finland exchanged views on the war in Ukraine and developments in the Middle East. Particular attention was also given to the future of the European Union, the enlargement process, and the European perspective of the countries of the Western Balkans.
The two leaders underscored the importance of effective multilateralism and the central role of the United Nations in addressing global challenges. President Pirc Musar presented Slovenia’s experience as a member of the United Nations Security Council, as the Republic of Finland is also embarking on its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council.
On this occasion, the President of the Republic personally invited President Stubb to attend the meeting of the Heads of State of the Arraiolos Group, which the Republic of Slovenia will host in October this year.
Following her meeting with the Finnish President, the President of the Republic visited the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats. Discussions focused on contemporary security challenges, particularly the spread of disinformation and its impact on democratic processes, with special attention given to the growing interconnection between artificial intelligence and the information environment. The President emphasized the importance of strengthening the resilience of democratic societies and enhancing international cooperation in addressing hybrid threats.
At the conclusion of her visit, the President of the Republic toured the icebreaker *Urho*, one of the most recognizable symbols of Finnish maritime expertise and technological innovation. Named after former Finnish President Urho Kekkonen, the vessel was, at the time of its commissioning, the largest and most powerful Finnish icebreaker. During the visit, the President was briefed on the role of icebreakers in ensuring safe and reliable navigation in the demanding conditions of the Baltic Sea, as well as on the technological innovations that place Finland among the leading countries in the field of winter maritime operations.
