A joint statement by the UAE and Finland within the framework of the Finnish President’s visit to the country

A joint statement was issued between the United Arab Emirates, the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Finland within the framework of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, to the UAE. The following is its text:

“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, received Alexander Stubb, President of the Republic of Finland, in Abu Dhabi as part of an official visit by His Excellency, which embodies the strong bilateral relations and the joint commitment to enhancing political, economic, technological and multilateral cooperation in the fields.

The two sides noted that the visit was held in light of the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in February 2025, as this visit represents a pivotal milestone for establishing an ambitious work plan and future visions for the coming decades.

The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of renewable energy, green energy transition, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, advanced technology, education, space and sustainable development.

The two sides welcomed the increasing growth in the volume of trade and the flow of investments between the two countries, and stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation between government institutions and the private sector.

They highlighted the role of advanced and emerging technology, the space sector, sustainable finance, clean energy and the circular economy as priority areas for future cooperation.

The two sides praised the contributions of Emirati and Finnish institutions, including the Advanced Technology Research Council, EDGE Group, Nokia, Space42, Bluefors, ICEYE, and Business Finland, in strengthening innovation systems, joint research, and partnerships in the field of industry.

The two sides welcomed existing cooperation in the field of education, including university partnerships, digital learning platforms, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs, and teacher training.

The two sides expressed their keenness to discuss ways of cooperation in a number of joint projects in Africa and other regions, across several fields, including digital education, renewable energy solutions, and enhancing the ability to confront climate change, by integrating the expertise of Emirati development institutions and technology partners in Finland.

The two sides highlighted the great potential to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the space sector, and pointed to Finland’s experience in small satellites and Earth observation technologies, in addition to the UAE’s growing capabilities in the field of space exploration, in addition to the role of companies, such as ICEYE, which is establishing a regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi, as an engine for future cooperation in the areas of climate change monitoring, environmental management, and disaster response.

The two sides stressed the pivotal importance of water in the field of climate action, and emphasized their joint commitment to confronting global water-related challenges and enhancing international cooperation in this regard.

They highlighted the importance of the United Nations Water Conference 2026, which the UAE is hosting in partnership with Senegal, as a pivotal platform for advancing global efforts in this field, and stressed the importance of investing in water technologies and innovation, which includes the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative launched by the UAE in 2024.

The two sides renewed their commitment to promoting the women, peace and security agenda, and stressed the urgent need to continue supporting the full, equal and effective participation of women in peacebuilding and peace processes, and preventing conflicts at the global, regional and national levels, praising their joint efforts in this field.

In this regard, the two sides stressed the importance of adopting and implementing the United Nations regional and national action plans on women, peace and security (UNSCR 1325) with the aim of translating these commitments into concrete actions on the ground.

The two presidents also exchanged views on regional and international developments:

The two sides renewed their joint commitment to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, leading to the establishment of an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state, living side by side with Israel in security and peace, in accordance with the borders of June 4, 1967, international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

The two sides also welcomed the leadership of His Excellency Donald Trump, US President, for these efforts and the comprehensive peace plan that aims to stop the war in the Gaza Strip.

They welcomed United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 2803, as an essential tool for implementing the plan, and sets out a course of action aimed at enabling the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination and establish their state.

They expressed their appreciation for the efforts of the United States and regional partners to reach a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.

They stressed the need for all parties to adhere to the agreement to alleviate human suffering and create conditions aimed at achieving lasting peace.

The two countries expressed their concern about the spread of extremism and extremist ideologies that fuel terrorism and fuel conflict. The two sides also affirmed their commitment to confronting hate speech, extremism, and racism by promoting tolerance and interreligious and intercultural dialogue, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution No. 2686.

In this regard, the two sides affirmed their categorical rejection of extremism in all its forms.

The two sides renewed their call, in the joint statement of the European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council summit issued in October 2024, and the joint ministerial statement of the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council issued in October 2025, for Iran to end the occupation of the three UAE islands: Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, which is a violation of state sovereignty and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The two sides expressed their deep concern about the lack of progress in resolving the dispute over the three islands. They also renewed their support for reaching a peaceful settlement of this dispute through bilateral negotiations or referring the case to the International Court of Justice in accordance with international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The two sides condemned the attacks against civilians committed by the Rapid Support Forces in El Fasher and those carried out by the warring parties throughout Sudan.

They stressed the need for both parties to the conflict – the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces – to respect their responsibilities to protect civilians and humanitarian workers.

The two sides stressed that the main responsibility for ending the conflict lies with the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, stressing the need to hold accountable those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law committed. They renewed their firm support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Sudan.

They welcomed the efforts of the Quartet, which includes the United Arab Emirates, the United States, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, and stressed the importance of reaching an immediate ceasefire, delivering urgent and unhindered humanitarian aid to all parts of Sudan, and achieving a comprehensive and transparent transitional process that paves the way towards the formation of an independent, civilian-led government that enjoys legitimacy and comprehensive accountability.

The two sides stressed that the path to sustainable peace cannot be achieved through military action, and stressed that Sudan’s future cannot be dictated by violent extremist groups that belong to or are closely linked to the Muslim Brotherhood or any extremist groups whose influence has fueled violence and destabilized the region.

Ukraine.
The two sides renewed their commitment to supporting a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, in line with international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states. They also highlighted the importance of diplomatic efforts and initiatives aimed at peace, and agreed to closely coordinate efforts within a multilateral framework.

The two presidents strongly condemned the escalation of attacks in Ukraine, which resulted in an increasing number of civilian casualties and injuries, and led to the destruction of vital infrastructure. They also stressed the need to limit the global repercussions on food security, energy supply, and the safety of nuclear facilities.

The Finnish President praised the UAE’s efforts to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and the exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and the Russian Federation.

The two sides concluded the meeting by affirming their commitment to strengthening the partnership between the UAE and Finland, based on mutual respect, strategic priorities and common aspirations, within the framework of promoting peace, stability and sustainable prosperity. They welcomed the results of the official visit, and agreed to follow up on the implementation of all planned initiatives through bilateral work mechanisms to ensure their timely completion.