EAM meets FMs of Finland, Ireland, and President of Kurdistan Regional Govt

Munich/New Delhi  : External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with his counterparts from Finland and Ireland as well as the President of the Kurdistan Regional Government on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. On his talks with Pekka Haavisto, the Foreign Minister of Finland, the EAM said on Saturday that it was interesting to hear his perspective on the Ukraine situation.

The two also discussed the Afghanistan developments. “Useful meeting with FM @Haavisto of Finland. “Interesting to hear his perspective on the Ukraine situation. Discussed Afghanistan developments at some length,” he tweeted. Finland, which shares a 1,340km border with Russia, was invaded by the Soviet Union during World War II, but its subsequent liberation came with heavy strings attached. The Soviets maintained a military base in the country until 1956, and forced Finland into inking the 1948 “Friendship Treaty” that committed Helsinki to remain neutral and not seek to join NATO. The treaty also gave Moscow influence over Finnish politics.

Finland’s long-time president Urho Kekkonen appointed officials and ministers acceptable to Moscow, while leaders held back from criticising Soviet actions. Following the Ukraine developments, Finland is now keen to join NATO. EAM Jaishankar also held talks with Simon Coveney, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence of Ireland. He said the two countries had worked closely in the UN Security Council, and that Ireland can play a greater role in India’s EU engagement. “Concluded the day meeting with FM @simoncoveney of Ireland.

“We have worked closely together at UNSC. “Ireland can play a greater role in our EU engagement.” On January 1, 2021, Ireland and India both took up elected seats on the UN Security Council for two-year terms. Ireland and India invested a lot to attain membership on the UNSC. Both have a long and deep history of engagement with the UN system, most notably in the realm of peacekeeping. The EAM also held talks with Nechirvan Barzani, the President of the Kurdistan Regional Government. They discussed broadening the bilateral economic, technical and development cooperation, and the EAM welcomed his appreciation of the Indian community in Erbil.

“Met President of the Kurdistan Regional Government @IKRPresident. “Discussed broadening our economic, technical and development cooperation. “Welcome his warm words for the Indian community in Erbil.” “The Kurdistan Regional Government comprises the governorates of Dohuk, Erbil, Halabja, and Sulaymaniyah in northern Iraq. India has a consulate general in Erbil.