President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb and his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb paid a state visit to Luxembourg on 29–30 September at the invitation of Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie.
The visit focused on bilateral relations and commercial and economic cooperation between Finland and Luxembourg as well as global challenges, comprehensive security, strengthening Europe, and Russia’s illegal war of aggression in Ukraine.
During the state visit in Luxembourg, President Stubb had meetings with President of the Chamber of Deputies Claude Wiseler, Prime Minister Luc Frieden, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Xavier Bettel.
In the afternoon, the presidential couple, the Grand Ducal couple visited Luxembourg City Hall and meet with Mayor Lydie Polfer.
President Stubb visited the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Court of Justice of the European Union in Kirchberg.
Photo: Matti Porre / Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
Photo: Matti Porre / Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
The day concluded with a state banquet hosted by the Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess in honour of the state visit.
The second day began with a university visit
The second day of the state visit began at the University of Luxembourg, where President Stubb delivered a speech entitled “Values, Interests and Power in the Age of Strategic Competition”. Following the speech, the president took part in a question-and-answer session with students.
The visit included a presentation of the university’s Learning Centre, an introduction to the university’s research and innovation activities, as well as a meeting with Finnish students. The programme at the university campus also included discussions with representatives of institutions and companies specialising in quantum technologies, data science and satellite technology
Prime Minister Frieden hosted a working lunch at Bourglinster Castle. After the lunch, President Stubb and Prime Minister Frieden held a joint press conference.
The state visit concluded with a visit to the headquarters of SES, a global space solutions company, and a tour of its Satellite Operations Centre.
In addition to the joint programme of the presidential couple and the Grand Ducal couple, Mrs Suzanne Innes-Stubb and Grand Duchess Stéphanie visited the National Museum, National Library of Luxembourg, and the National Centre for Victims of Violence.
The state visit delegation accompanying the President included Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand.
