Pekka Hyvönen

In times of conflict, reliable information can save lives. Protecting journalists and media freedom is essential for security, democracy and peace. On #WorldPressFreedomDay, I would like to thank journalists for their invaluable work.

Just concluded the NB8 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Estonia. We had valuable discussions among close colleagues on Ukraine, European security, transatlantic relations, and the Middle East. We stand firmly with Ukraine on its path towards EU and NATO membership.

Finland’s new country brand strategy presents Finland as a country that enables people to lead a good life in a well-organised society. Our happiness is built on trust, equality, freedom and a society that works. Finland makes happiness happen!

Today 23 April we celebrate the World Book Day. Instituto Cervantes de Argel organized a reading of the El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha "Mielevä hidalgo don Quijote manchalainen" translated to Finnish in 1927 and 2013 👍

Meeting with Finnish forest representatives including metsagroup.com These experts are in Algiers to participate maghrebpharma.com Product safety in pharmaceutical industry starts with high quality raw materials.

Congratulations to Peter Magyar and Tisza on their election victory. This is a result of great importance not just for Hungary but for Europe and all of those who believe in liberal democracy.

Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. A country reclaims its European path. The Union grows stronger. Magyarország Európát választotta. Európa mindig Magyarországot választotta. Egy ország visszatér az európai útjára. Az Unió erősebbé válik.

Two days of valuable discussions about our working environment and well-being with visiting MFA occupational health team. Great opportunity to strengthen our work-place relations and conditions. We have a good team and we are doing right things together 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

When one is as well-prepared as the Finns are, it is easy to accept the threat from Russia as a fact of life—one that, though worrisome, can be faced and overcome. Most other European countries, however, are not so far along economist.com/europe/2025/10…

The Nordics organised a meet on sustainability for 🇩🇿students. 30 lucky ones were chosen among +800 applicants. Students also visited Nordic companies working in Algeria @AstraZeneca jotun.com @nokia and @novonordisk A debrief was organised in the Finnish Embassy

Finland, together with our close partners, today joined a joint statement regarding the situation in the Persian Gulf and, in particular, the Strait of Hormuz. The statement condemns Iran’s recent attacks on commercial vessels and attempts to disrupt commercial shipping. The statement also calls on all countries to respect international law and uphold the principles of international security. The countries participating in the statement express their readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. presidentti.fi/joint-statemen…

Finland is the Happiest country in the World for the 9th year running. We also climbed up the world brand index from 7th to 5th. I am often asked why we do well in these rankings. I do not think there is a magic potion, but it helps to have a society which strives towards freedom, equality and justice. The basis of it all is a welfare society, a robust education system, a sense of security and a close attachment to nature. There is no such thing as a perfectly happy society, but providing some building blocks that give us a chance to live a meaningful life, to help others, will nudge us in the right direction during the journey of life.

Finnish North- and West-African ambassadors visited last week cities of Oulu and Tampere marketing business opportunities between Finland respective countries like 🇫🇮🇩🇿 in my case. Real innovative solutions by hi-tech companies @Bittium @nokia @frameryfinland

Closing an intense week at the EU Ambassadors Conference with colleagues serving across Africa. In an uncertain world, the EU remains a reliable, predictable and trusted partner for Africa — working together for security, opportunity for youth, and shared prosperity. 🌍🇪🇺

👧 📚 In many communities, the promise of a daily meal is what convinces families to send girls to school. 🥗 #SchoolMeals improve enrolment, attendance and learning—tackling hunger while breaking down the barriers that keep girls out of the classroom. 📑 Learn more: schoolmealscoalition.org/why-school-mea… #IWD2026 #WomensDay

VIDÈO : Après que les plans en ont été dessinés par le couple d’architectes-designers finlandais Alvar et Aino Aalto, le sanatorium de Paimio fut construit entre 1929 et 1933. #Finlande finland.fi/fr/culture/jet…

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been confirmed dead. This opens a window for long-awaited change in the Middle East. Iran’s dictatorship has long been a shackle on its own citizens and an obstacle to regional peace. Also beyond the Middle East, the Iranian regime’s actions have been destabilising. Iran has provided Russia with drones and missiles used in its war of aggression against Ukraine. Its non-compliance with nuclear non-proliferation agreements has been a constant threat to world peace. Earlier this year, Finland, together with EU Member States, designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. The Iranian people deserve the right to freedom. There must be an orderly path for the citizens to regain control of their lives and their country—control that has been denied to them for far too long. The risk of a spiral of violence in the Middle East remains a concern. We need diplomacy and good-faith negotiations. Civilians must be protected at all times. This Sunday, I will join the EU’s extraordinary Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting. We will discuss pathways towards de-escalation and peace in the Middle East. It is key that we coordinate closely with our transatlantic partners.

Sudan is experiencing a devastating civil war and an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. I am very pleased that UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres appointed Pekka @Haavisto as his new Personal Envoy for Sudan. Pekka brings a wealth of experience in mediation and negotiation processes in the Horn of Africa. I cannot think of anyone better equipped for this task. Best of luck, Pekka!

As the fifth year of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine is about to begin, we reaffirm that Finland stands with the Ukrainian people – for as long as it takes. @FinGovernment 🇫🇮 🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine

Des pétroliers rouillés naviguent au large de vos côtes, transportant du pétrole russe. Une seule fuite suffirait à provoquer une catastrophe sur les plages de votre pays. Affaiblissez leur flotte fantôme et préservez notre liberté. #StopTheShadowFleet