Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Monday, with talks focused on the war against Iran, Ukraine and transatlantic security.
Valtonen said after the meeting that the priority in the Middle East is to maintain the ceasefire between the United States and Iran and move towards a peace agreement.
She also called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and stressed the need to secure freedom of navigation in the area.
Valtonen said no country should impose fees on vessels passing through the route, referring to Iranian proposals to charge transit payments.
“Hormuz must be opened and maritime traffic must function freely,” she said during a media briefing in Washington, according to Ilta-Sanomat.
The meeting took place amid heightened tensions following failed negotiations between Washington and Tehran over the weekend. The United States has begun operations to clear mines from the strait, while Iran has signalled it intends to keep the route closed without a broader agreement.
Valtonen said Finland supports efforts led by European partners to ensure safe passage through the strait, including diplomatic and possible security measures. She added that each country would decide independently on any concrete participation.
The talks between Valtonen and Rubio also covered Ukraine. Valtonen said continued Western support remains essential and described Nato as stronger than before.
“A strong Nato also makes the United States stronger,” she said, according to Ilta-Sanomat.
She said the discussion with Rubio was “open and good” and confirmed that Washington had not made specific requests to Finland related to the Iran conflict.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb is also in Washington and attended the Bilderberg meeting over the weekend alongside Valtonen.
Stubb is scheduled to speak at the Brookings Institution on global order and later travel to Canada, where he will meet Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa.
Valtonen said Finland supports a diplomatic solution in the Middle East and is prepared to contribute to efforts that secure maritime routes once conditions allow.
HT