The President of Finland met with the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy on Friday to discuss the country’s role in stabilising Afghanistan and international crisis management.
An in-depth report detailing Finnish support in Afghanistan was the main focus of the discussions, according to a press release issued by the government. Finland aids in the reconstruction of Afghanistan through crisis management for the military and civilians, humanitarian aid and development cooperation.
Finland is encouraging the different groups within Afghanistan to work together to promote development. Without significant improvement, which includes the strengthening of the Afghan national army, the international crisis management forces will not withdraw.
Finland will continue working on promoting alternative sources of income for citizens involved in drug production and will increase the current level of support for mine clearing.
Finland’s annual aid to Afghanistan of around 10 million Euros will also be used to support the country’s security authorities, including the police force and border control. There is also discussion of training Afghan authorities to address civilian crisis management.
The full report on Afghanistan, compiled by the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior, is available at www.formin.fi.