Finnish president meets Arab League chief during Egypt visit

CAIRO – 22 April 2026: President of Finland Alexander Stubb met with Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit at the league’s headquarters in Cairo.

Aboul Gheit welcomed the Finnish president and his accompanying delegation, saying their talks discussed a range of regional and international issues.

The two sides also reviewed prospects for Finland’s cooperation with Arab countries, particularly in economic affairs.

For his part, President Stubb said coordination with Arab states is of great importance at a critical moment marked by fundamental changes in the international system.

He added that the world is moving toward a multipolar era, which requires greater cooperation between active international organizations, stressing the importance of strengthening the role of the United Nations in this regard.

Stubb further noted that enhancing the role of international institutions is vital in light of recent global developments, adding that their role should reflect current global realities rather than the circumstances of their establishment in 1945.

The Finnish President began a two-day visit to Egypt on Tuesday, during which he held talks with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on bilateral relations and regional developments, including the Gaza war and Middle East tensions.

Stubb also met with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, where they attended the closing session of the Egypt-Finland Business Forum.

During his visit, Stubb met with Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayyeb and is scheduled to meet with Pope Tawadros II, Head of Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church.

Stubb delivered a lecture at the American University in Cairo on global transitions and the shifting balance of power.

The Finnish president is also set to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum and meet with business leaders and foreign policy experts.

The visit marks the first presidential trip from Finland to Egypt since 2009, when then-President Tarja Halonen visited the country.