About Alexander Stubb
President Alexander Stubb has been active in international diplomacy, hosting Kenyan President William Ruto in Helsinki for talks that produced three memoranda of understanding on education, digitalization, and the environment. Stubb described Kenya as a "middle power" whose voice "needs to be heard around the globe" and called for a "paradigm shift" in global institutions. He also traveled to Egypt and Jordan, where he discussed the Iran conflict and stated that the Strait of Hormuz situation is "on a knife's edge." Stubb expressed support for a two-state solution regarding Israel and Palestine and said he would be willing to recognize a Palestinian state "when the time is right from a Finnish perspective."
In interviews, Stubb has argued that global conflicts are increasingly interconnected and that the current shift in world order began with Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and accelerated under the new U.S. administration. He has called for reforming multilateral institutions, including expanding the UN Security Council and scrapping the veto power. On NATO, Stubb said he expects "controlled burden sharing" with Europe taking more responsibility for its own security, but he does not see U.S. commitment diminishing. He described Ukraine as being in a "position of strength" and suggested it is time for Europe to engage in diplomatic conversations with Russia's leadership. Stubb also noted that he communicates regularly with other leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, through group chats with close allies.
Source: AI-verified profile updated from Alexander Stubb's recent appearances.
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✨ AI-enhanced transcript with speaker attribution
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Host0:00
President of Finland will begin with a few opening remarks and then there is an opportunity for questions. Mr. President.
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Alexander Stubb0:10
Thank you very much. I'm delighted to welcome Hutla here to Helsinki in slightly Icelandic weather. But nevertheless, I think this visit is yet another sign of the strength of the relationship between our countries. We're both Nordic countries, values-based countries, and we share common interests and values and we have both a strong relationship of course with nature. Today we've discussed our bilateral relations, our political relations, our security relations. We've discussed the Arctic, economic cooperation, entrepreneurship, education as well as opportunities for young people in our countries. We have spoken about our transatlantic relationship. We have spoken about Ukraine and Russia. The importance of Nordic cooperation has increased during recent years as northern neighbors Iceland and Finland are actively involved in this cooperation. And in times like these it really matters to know who your friends are and I think the bond that you and I have forged from the beginning when we started this office is a portrayal of that. Today, as you saw, we also signed a memorandum of understanding on bilateral defense cooperation between our countries. And this agreement, of course, paves the way for further cooperation. We saw one example of this in February when the Finnish Air Force took part in NATO's air policing mission in Iceland. And Iceland, of course, is a founding member of NATO. And Finland's NATO membership has further strengthened the defense relationship between our countries. Our cooperation also continues within the framework of the Joint Expeditionary Force, and it's important to say that security in the Baltic Sea and the Arctic region remains of high priority to JEF. And lest I forgot to mention, we did discuss Arctic issues as well. The importance of the Arctic continues to grow. It's becoming part of the global geostrategic chess game whether we like it or not. The impact of climate change will be strongly felt in and around the Arctic. With Iceland, we share the goal of a peaceful and prosperous and stable Arctic. And let me finish by saying that there's also a lot of potential for economic expansion. The startup scene, for example, is thriving in both of our countries. We'll do some more business-oriented work tomorrow. Currently, however, trade and investments figures lag somewhat behind those of our Nordic landlocked neighbors and we hope that this state visit with its large accompanying business delegation will boost bilateral economic relations. Even though we are a few hours apart in terms of time zones, Helsinki and Reykjavik are actually quite close. We're connected by quick direct flight with both Iceland Air and Finn Air.
Two and a half hours, I think.
So, once more, thanks to Hutla for accepting the invitation to this state visit and I'm looking forward to spending time with you today and tomorrow.
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Hutla3:46
Thank you, Alex, and good day, everyone. It has been a great pleasure for me to meet with President Alexander Stubb here in Helsinki. Thank you for the warm welcome. Our conversation was not only warm and constructive, it also reflected the deep and growing friendship between Iceland and Finland. Our two countries are bound by shared values: democracy, equality, sustainability and peace. And in today's changing world, a world of disorder as you have often aptly called it, those values matter more than ever. President Stubb and I discussed the evolving roles of Finland and Iceland within NATO and the growing significance of Nordic security cooperation. Finland's accession into NATO has strengthened the alliance and Iceland remains firmly committed alongside our allies to upholding sovereignty, international law and the core values that sustain our collective security. The signing of the memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation between our two countries marks an important milestone reinforcing the close friendship and steadfast alliance we share as NATO partners. I also want to underline in this context that Iceland continues to stand in solidarity with Ukraine, united with others against Russia's ongoing aggression, and we are unwavering in our commitment to peace and democracy. Finland and Iceland are also partners in shaping a new kind of progress, an approach to human security, one that puts people and planet first. Through our work in the Well-being Economy Government alliance, Finns and Icelanders alike.
