Marin: government will make every effort to evacuate all Finnish citizens from Afghanistan

The Finnish government continues to make every effort to remove those at risk from Afghanistan, said Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP).

The head of government commented on the situation in Afghanistan during the summer meeting of the SDP.

According to Marin, the government’s primary concern is the evacuation of all Finnish citizens from Afghanistan. At the same time, the Prime Minister noted that the international community should cooperate to ensure the rights and safety of women and other civilians.

Yesterday it was reported that a total of 22 Finnish citizens were removed from Kabul. It is not yet known when they will return to Finland, because, as a rule, they are taken to other countries in the region, from where they must travel to their homeland on commercial flights.

Finnish authorities maintain contact with all 170 Afghans whom Finland has promised to grant international protection.

Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto reported today that Finland has sent two officers to Afghanistan to coordinate the evacuation at the Kabul airport. According to him, over 70 Finnish citizens have asked for help to leave the country.