Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen criticised the United States’ decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports during her visit to Singapore on 13 October, Reuters reported.
Speaking to Reuters at a forum in Singapore, Valtonen said additional revenue would support Russia’s war effort. She urged the United States to stand with Ukraine.
Valtonen also repeated her call for EU countries to stop issuing tourist visas to Russian citizens until Russia ends its war against Ukraine. Finland’s foreign ministry had announced that demand the previous day.
Singapore visit
As ScandAsia reported on 9 October, Valtonen’s Singapore visit was scheduled to focus on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and bilateral cooperation.
The announced programme included meetings with Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, as well as participation in Singapore International Cyber Week.
Russia’s war against Ukraine was also among the topics on the bilateral agenda.
Sources: Reuters and Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs
