Russian invasion also causes global energy, food security problems

President Sauli Niinistö on Wednesday said that the Russian invasion has caused great suffering in Ukraine, but also great problems in other parts of the world, for example in terms of energy supply and food security.

The President made the remark at a joint press conference after a meeting with the visiting President of Mozambique Filipe Nyusi at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, said the President Office in a press release.

In addition to bilateral relations between Finland and Mozambique, the topics included Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Mozambique’s future membership of the UN Security Council, food security issues and climate change.

“In this respect, we share the view that it is necessary to achieve peace at some point and that all the work towards it is valuable,” Niinistö said.

The President of Mozambique accompanied by a large economic delegation started his two-day visit to Finland on Wednesday.

Niinistö said, increasing economic cooperation between Finland and Mozambique also supports development cooperation objectives. Mozambique is a long-term development cooperation partner of Finland.

“As far as Finland is concerned, we want to say that equality, education and good governance have played a key role in making Finland a welfare state. We are ready to share these experiences with you at any time,” he said.

Niinistö raised the issue of climate change, which also affects Mozambique. This year, Mozambique joined the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, which has been chaired by Finland.

“It is one way for international cooperation to seek solutions,” he said.

Nyusi also met with Speaker of Parliament Matti Vanhanen, Prime Minister Sanna Marin and Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto. In addition, he also met with his Finnish pen pal from approximately 50 years ago.

On Thursday, Nyusi is scheduled to speak at a seminar on business opportunities between Mozambique and Finland organised by Business Finland and visits Finnish companies.

He will also become acquainted with the Finnish education system at University of Helsinki Viikki Normal School and Omnia, the Joint Authority of Education in the Espoo region.

Finland has particularly supported the development of basic education in Mozambique.

The previous presidential visit from Mozambique to Finland took place in 2008, when President Tarja Halonen hosted President Armando Guebuza’s state visit.