The king wants to strengthen ties to Finland

Royally

Carl XVI Gustaf

Invites President Alexander Stubb to a state visit

Jenny Alexandersson

Published 18.17

Today, Alexander Stubb was installed as the President of Finland.

To strengthen the ties between Sweden and Finland, the king invites the new president and his wife to a state visit to Sweden at the end of April.

- Between our peoples there is a strong affinity and our countries' historical ties are many years old, writes the king in a telegram to Stubb.

Just before twelve today, the new President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, arrived in the plenary hall of the Riksdag House in Helsinki. He accompanied the outgoing president Sauli Niinistö.

Niinistö stated that Finland is in a new situation.

- We live in a new era. The words war, peace and security now occupy a very prominent place in people's thoughts, he said in his speech before the change of presidency.

Alexander Stubb also focused on defence, war and NATO in his installation speech.

- We live in a new era. The words war, peace and security now occupy a very prominent place in people's thoughts.

Alexander Stubb was installed as President of Finland today. Together with his wife Suzanne Innes-Stubb (left), he waved to people gathered outside the presidential palace. On the right are the outgoing president Sauli Niinisto and his wife Jenni Haukio. Photo: TT

Two day long visit

Alexander Stubb is now installed as Finland's 13th president and he is the country's first Finnish-Swedish president ever.

The entry of Finland and Sweden into NATO has changed the situation for the Nordic countries and cohesion is central.

To further strengthen the ties between Sweden and Finland, the King today invited President Alexander Stubb and his wife Suzanne Innes-Stubb to Stockholm for a two-day state visit on April 23-24.

- Your visit gives us the opportunity to deepen our countries' cooperation both bilaterally and in regional and international organizations, writes the king in his congratulatory telegram.

Sauli Niinisto congratulates Finland's new president Alexander Stubb at the ceremony in the Riksdag building in Helsinki on Friday, March 1, 2024. Photo: TT

President Alexander Stubb waves to the people gathered at the balcony of the presidential palace after the installation in the Riksdag house. Photo: TT

Alexander Stubb was elected President of Finland on 11 February. He kisses his wife Suzanne Innes-Stubb and celebrates with the children Oliver and Emilie. Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva / NTB

Former Prime Minister Sanna Marin attended the Riksdag session in the plenary hall just before the installation of Finland's new president. Photo: TT