Minister of the Interior Rantanen on visit to Türkiye

Minister of the Interior Rantanen on visit to Türkiye

Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen is currently visiting Türkiye to meet with the Turkish Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi. Topics on the ministers' agenda include the effects of the situation in the Middle East on migration as well as counterterrorism and police cooperation.

So far, the situation in the Middle East has not led to a rise in the number of asylum seekers in the EU. There is a variety of factors that influence people's decision to migrate, and the authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

Türkiye's border management and other activities have an important role for security and migration in Europe.

"Türkiye is a key partner for Europe in managing migration. We appreciate the efforts Türkiye is making, particularly in preventing illegal entry and supporting regional stability," says Minister of the Interior Rantanen.

"We have common challenges that call for common solutions. To have a well-functioning asylum and migration system, we must have a mechanism for returning people who are staying illegally in our territory to their countries of origin," Minister Rantanen says.

The ministers will also discuss intensified police cooperation between Finland and Türkiye. Finland and Türkiye have a bilateral agreement on cooperation in crime prevention and combating crime.

"Türkiye plays a significant role for Europe's security. Close cooperation and regular exchange of information are important for us," Minister Rantanen says.

During her visit to Türkiye, Minister Rantanen will also meet with representatives of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). She will also learn about the quota refugee selection process in which the Finnish authorities work in cooperation with the UNHCR.

Inquiries:
Minna Hulkkonen, Director General, tel. +358 295 488 600, [email protected]
Johanna Puiro, Chief Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 237, [email protected] (counterterrorism, police cooperation)