It matters who will become next US President: Stubb

President Alexander Stubb on Tuesday said that Finland would get along and work with any US administration, although he also pointed out that it would matter who will become the next President of US.

“Naturally, it matters who will become the next US President. But it is also clear that Finland will get along and work with any US administration,” said the President while addressing the Annual Meeting of Heads of Mission in Helsinki.

He said that the relationship between Finland and the United States, is closer than ever.

He also said that Finland´s relationship with Russia has changed permanently and it is necessary to find out a way to live with the neighbouring country in the long term.

“Our relationship with Russia has changed permanently. In the long term, we need to find a way to live with our neighbour. But we do not define our foreign and security policy solely through Russia. There is no going back,” Stubb said.

He said that Finland is one of the strongest supporters of Ukraine and the supports to the country with defence materiel, by means of development and humanitarian aid and politically would be continued.

“The war has lasted a long time, but we must not get tired,” he added.

He hoped that, sometime in the future, Russia could live with itself without constituting a threat to its neighbours.

Pointing out the present situation in the Middle East, he said that Finland supports peaceful solution of the ongoing conflict in the region.

“Finland’s stand is clear. We are not taking sides with either Israel or Palestine. We are on the side of peace. We support and promote the two-state solution,” said the President, adding, “when – not if – we recognise the Palestinian State, we will do it when it serves the objective of peace.”