Canada-Finland joint statement on bilateral cooperation

April 4, 2022 – Helsinki, Finland – Global Affairs Canada

“Canada and Finland enjoy a rich history of excellent relations built on people-to-people ties and shared values. On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Finland, the governments of Finland and Canada celebrate all that we have achieved together and look toward the future, committing to deepening our partnership and cooperation on foreign and security policy in support of peace, prosperity, human rights and stability.

“As transatlantic partners and friends, Canada and Finland are committed to strengthening relationships key to our collective security. Recent developments have demonstrated just how critical that cooperation is, and how unified our partners have been as we respond to Russia’s egregious further invasion of Ukraine. Canada and Finland condemn this invasion and urge Russia to fully respect its obligations under international law, including the Charter of the United Nations. We are committed to ensuring accountability and welcome the investigation initiated by the International Criminal Court. Finland and Canada affirm our support to Ukraine and its people. We stand with those suffering from the Russian aggression and remain committed to providing humanitarian assistance. We firmly support Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“This attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty is an affront to the rules-based international order. The sovereign equality, territorial integrity and political independence of States, and their freedom to choose their own security arrangements, are concepts central to global security and effective multilateralism. We reiterate our firm commitment to the founding principles of European and international security, including the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris for a New Europe. The transatlantic relationship and EU-NATO cooperation are key to our security and we will work together to strengthen these relationships.

“Canada and Finland’s connection on Arctic issues is strong and our long-standing Arctic cooperation has been beneficial to both of our countries. Canada and Finland have worked together to address a host of challenges affecting the Arctic and North, including climate change, and explored opportunities to better connect our two countries socially, scientifically, culturally and economically. Canada and Finland reaffirm our ongoing commitment to peace and stability in the Arctic and our responsibility to the people of the Arctic, including Indigenous peoples, who contribute to and benefit from our ongoing cooperation.  Our governments will assess opportunities to amplify Finland’s Arctic Policy and Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework.

“Building on strong cooperation to support democratic processes and civil society, Canada and Finland affirm our commitment and support to the International IDEA and the Freedom Online Coalition, and to use the work of the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats to identify hybrid threats in our societies, including the use of disinformation.

“Canada and Finland affirm our fundamental commitments to the rule of law, and to work jointly in international fora to address threats to international security and human rights. We will explore further opportunities to enhance collaboration in advancing our common interests such as gender equality, climate change and biodiversity, education and civic space and human rights defenders. Canada will work with Finland during its 2022-2024 term on the UN Human Rights Council.

“Finland and Canada confirm continued collaboration in the areas of climate change and environment. Recognizing the significance of our countries’ commitments to carbon neutrality and pressing energy security challenges, Canada and Finland affirm our shared interest in improved trade and investment in clean technologies.”