Lajcak Discusses Bilateral Ties and EU Issues in Finland

Helsinki, February 20 (TASR) - Excellent bilateral ties, efficient co-operation within the EU and other international organisations as well as conflict prevention were some of the issues discussed between Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajcak and his Finnish counterpart Pekka Haavisto in Finland on Thursday, TASR learnt from ministry press department on the same day. "We talked about European issues with an emphasis on the future of the EU, the drafting of its foreign and security policy, including options for reinforcing the Union's standing as a global player," underlined Lajcak. Also broached was Brexit, the future enlargement of the EU and the protection of a rules-based international world order in the era of growing multi-polarity. Subsequently, Lajcak met with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto. The meeting revolved around activities of the two states in international organisations, with Niinisto praising Slovakia's 2019 OSCE Chairmanship and the Slovak contribution towards conflict resolution in Ukraine. Lajcak and Niinisto also touched on sustainable development, climate change and a fair transition into a carbon neutral economy that should respect different starting positions of the EU member states. mf/mcs