Finland and the UAE are united by hope tempered with realism

Staff wave flags outside the Finland pavilion at Expo 2020, Dubai. This February marks 50 years since Finland and the UAE established diplomatic relations. Chris Whiteoak / The National

This February marks 50 years since Finland and the UAE established diplomatic relations. Our friendship has been cemented over the past five decades through constantly growing trade relations and a mutual commitment to playing an active role in the international community in order to address global challenges.

Today, we shall look ahead and focus on the next 50 years to come. Together, we will make use of new and emerging technologies to future-proof our economies and societies and to ensure a sustainable future for the next generations. Together, we will work to ensure the functioning of multilateral co-operation structures and the rules-based system grounded in international law. Finland and the UAE may be far apart geographically, but we share a sense of heightened responsibility for finding solutions to current and future challenges. Combatting climate change and biodiversity loss are litmus tests for multilateralism, to say nothing of the ongoing conflicts in our neighbourhoods.

President Sheikh Mohamed greets Alexander Stubb, President of Finland at Cop29 in Baku, Azerbaijan last year. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court

Just over a year ago at Cop28, the UAE ushered the global community into a crucial agreement on transitioning away from fossil fuels. Moving forward, it is important to ensure that climate actions align with the broader development agenda. The Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) plays an important part in this. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which I will have the honour of attending on my visit to the UAE, is even further proof of the UAE’s commitment to leadership in combatting climate change.

When it comes to trade, Finland and the UAE have a stable, long-standing relationship. The UAE is now Finland’s top trading partner in the Gulf and Middle East region. On my visit to the UAE, I will be accompanied by leading Finnish businesses looking for opportunities to boost trade relations and intensify co-operation further. The UAE’s dynamic and forward-leaning vision for development, combined with Finnish know-how and expertise in digital solutions, advanced technology and innovation, is an excellent match.

Our two countries contribute far more actively to the international system than our size would suggest. Finland joined the EU 30 years ago this January. Today, we are a militarily aligned country, having joined Nato in April 2023. Together with our friends and allies who share our values and interests, we are stronger and better able to defend stability.

Our two countries contribute far more actively to the international system than our size would suggest

Nato’s first priority is to resolve conflicts peacefully. A strong and resilient society is an important part of Nato’s defence work. But our friendships extend beyond the borders of the EU and Nato – the world is far too small to isolate ourselves in separate bubbles. We recognise that the UAE, and the Gulf region more broadly, plays a crucial role in rebuilding stability and fostering prosperity throughout the Middle East. In Europe, we continue to face the major conflict of our time, as Ukraine demonstrates remarkable resilience by fighting for its independence and sovereignty. Finland’s support for Ukraine remains steadfast. In the Middle East, we call for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and intensified diplomatic efforts to establish peace between Israel and Palestine based on a two-state model.

Finland and the UAE are united by something the Finns call “sisu” – a kind of stamina, perseverance and determination. “Sisu” is about being hopeful but realistic.

The UAE’s support to victims of conflict through humanitarian efforts is commendable. Finland has a tradition of diplomacy that involves actively engaging in conflict resolution and mediation. We cannot influence everything, but we take the opportunities we get to foster peace and stability. We recognise that our security and economy are tied to the global system.

Last year, for the seventh year in a row, Finland was named the happiest country in the world by the World Happiness Report. The UAE also places great importance on the happiness and well-being of its inhabitants. The relationship between our two countries remains strong. Together, we will continue to work to enhance the well-being of our citizens, but also for global happiness and the betterment of humanity. This is a challenge no country can tackle alone.