Migration and the situation of Syria, Iraq and ISIL discussed by President of the Republic and Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy

On Friday 18 September, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed the current state of the migration crisis in the Mediterranean Sea and South East Europe, and the overall migration situation in Europe and its effects on Finland. To solve the escalating migrant crisis and to achieve long-term results, the root causes of forced migration need to be addressed. This calls for increased cooperation and dialogue with the countries of origin and transit. The migration summit between the EU and the main countries of origin and transit, to be organised in Valletta, Malta in November, as well as the high-level conference on the challenges of the Western Balkans migration route, to be held possibly already in October, will play an important role in this respect.

The meeting also discussed the situation in Syria and Iraq and the regional threat posed by the terrorist organisation ISIL in the area. The unstable security situation in the countries and the humanitarian crisis in the area are significant reasons for the increased migration.

In addition, the committee discussed the launching of preparations for a foreign and security policy report and a defence report as outlined in the Government Programme.

Inquiries: Jukka Salovaara, Director General, tel. +358 295 350 636, Pekka Hyvönen, Senior Adviser, tel. +358 295 351 341 (migration), Ministry for Foreign Affairs; Päivi Nerg, Permanent Secretary, tel. +358 295 418 803, Ministry of the Interior (migration); Hannu Kyröläinen, Senior Adviser, tel. +358 295 351 027, Ministry for Foreign Affairs (foreign and security policy report); Esa Pulkkinen, Director General, tel. +358 295 140 300, Ministry of Defence (defence report).