Finland is sending its ambassador to the United States, Leena-Kaisa Mikkola, to observe a peace conference convened by President Donald Trump focused on resolving issues in Gaza. This conference, discussed in earlier reports by CNN, is the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, which is part of Trump’s broader plan for peace in the region. Mikkola's role as an observer is intended to provide Finland with firsthand information on the developments and proposals being made during the conference.

President Alexander Stubb, however, has made it clear that he will not be attending the conference. Despite being invited to this significant event that gathers participation from more than 40 nations, Finland has chosen not to join the Trump administration’s Council of Peace, which marks a nuanced approach to its diplomatic relations and interactions with initiatives led by the U.S. In addition to naming Mikkola as the observer, the invitation has also been extended to the European Union and other countries, including those that have declined to join the peace council.

The implications of this diplomatic engagement highlight Finland's ongoing interest in international peace efforts, especially in relation to the Middle East. While Finland aims to gain insights from the discussions held at the White House, its decision to refrain from committing to membership in the council reflects a careful balancing act in its foreign policy, navigating between involvement and maintaining an independent stance on international matters.