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Prime Minister Orpo and Federal Chancellor Scholz discuss European security

Finnish Government

Government Communications Department
14.7.2023
Press release

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz met in Berlin on Friday 14 July. Their meeting focused on European security and on developing trade and economic relations between Finland and Germany.

"As a like-minded country, Germany is a vital economic, political and security partner for Finland. Relations between our two countries are, and will continue to be, excellent," said Prime Minister Orpo.

Prime Minister Orpo thanked Federal Chancellor Scholz for Germany's support during Finland's NATO accession process and for his leadership in guaranteeing European security. Prime Minister Orpo and Federal Chancellor Scholz talked in depth about strengthening Europe's defence industry and about Europe's Common Security and Defence Policy in general. They also discussed Russia and unwavering support for Ukraine.

"With Finland and Sweden in NATO, the Baltic Sea Region will be more secure than it has been in a long time. We will support Ukraine in their justified fight for as long as it takes. We will also make this message clear at the EU level. We want to build a stronger and more globally active European Union. This is the only way to continue to guarantee European prosperity in the future," Prime Minister Orpo said at the press conference held after the meeting.

In his meeting with the Federal Chancellor, Prime Minister Orpo also highlighted opportunities for Finland and Germany to further develop economic relations. Germany is Finland's most important trading partner.

"Finland and Germany have major shared interests when it comes to the energy transition and hydrogen economy. Finland has relevant technological expertise and is a good investment environment in these areas. We also have expertise, clean nature and a great deal of space. We are a stable and safe country. Clean energy investments will enable us to effectively combat climate change, create jobs, boost the economy and phase out Russian fossil energy all at the same time," said Prime Minister Orpo.