rki.news
HELSINKI, March 21 (Xinhua):
Elina Valtonen, Finland’s Foreign Minister, has clarified that her country has no intention of engaging in military activity in the Persian Gulf, emphasizing a preference for diplomacy over direct involvement.
Speaking to Finnish public broadcaster Yle, Valtonen confirmed that Finland will not send military equipment to the region but said a contribution of staff officers could be considered under certain circumstances. She called for an immediate halt to violence against civilians and civilian infrastructure and urged all parties to return to negotiations.
“Finland hopes military action will end as soon as possible,” she said, warning that prolonged instability could disrupt global trade, increase oil prices, and undermine international security.
Valtonen stressed that NATO countries, including Finland’s allies, will not participate in Middle East military operations alongside the United States. Her comments followed a post on social media by Alexander Stubb, noting Finland’s participation in a joint European statement supporting secure transit through the Strait of Hormuz and adherence to international law.
The clarification comes amid heightened regional tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran on February 28, which prompted Iranian missile and drone retaliation and temporarily restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil route. European leaders continue to advocate a diplomatic resolution and caution against escalating the conflict into a wider NATO mission.