OREANDA-NEWS. On Thursday 27 October at 17.30 Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini will publish the book "Arctic Variety" on the Aino stage at the Messukeskus Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, where Minister Soini will also be interviewed on Finland's Arctic policy and future visions at 17.30-18.30. The book was commissioned by the Europe Information of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Finland's Ambassador for Arctic Affairs Aleksi Härkönen will also be present to answer questions by the audience. The authors, Science Editor Marjo Laukkanen and Head of Science Communications Markku Heikkiläfrom the Arctic Centre of the University of Lapland will attend the publication event. The interview with Minister Soini will be conducted by Markku Heikkilä.

After the event Minister Soini will visit the section of Europe Information 6f130, where he will also test his Arctic footprint. There Minister Soini will be accompanied by Ambassador for Arctic Affairs Härkönen and the authors of "Arctic Variety".

Finland will chair the Arctic Council in 2017 – 2019. The book gives a voice to everyday actors and daily life of the Arctic in various professions and parts of Finland. Finland will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of its independence next year as a happy, proud and understanding Arctic country. The book also tells about the Arctic Council, Finland's role in it, and linkages to the European Union and to other international politics. The themes include climate change, new shipping routes and interest in the north in the world's leading countries.