The Finnish Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, started his visit to the UAE on January 13, and judging by his statements, talks will focus on this issue.
Orpo said that the “shadow fleet,” which consists of tankers under different flags, is a threat to both safety and the environment, as it allows Russia to circumvent international sanctions by supplying petroleum products. He also stressed the need to stop this practice.
On January 10, the US imposed sanctions on 183 vessels of the “shadow fleet,” in response to Russia’s actions.
In addition to sanctions, Finland and the UAE will discuss trade issues.
Trade between Finland and the United Arab Emirates has grown significantly in recent years, with the United Arab Emirate being the largest destination for Finnish exports in the Persian Gulf and Middle East regions.
“Finland has top-level expertise in many areas the UAE wants to promote. There is a great deal of growth potential in areas such as new technologies and digitalisation, the circular economy, the built environment and infrastructure, clean energy production, education and healthcare,” Prime Minister Orpo said ahead of the visit.
