"When it gets activated and free trade starts in practice, it will create growth and wellbeing on the African continent," he said.

Lahti also noted that free trade has been facing obstacles elsewhere, and in this respect the results in Africa are important.

"Looking ahead towards the future, a free trade arrangement between the European Union and the African Union would be a possibility, although it would still take many years," Lahti added.

EUROPEAN ISSUES

On European issues, Rinne also said at the press conference that there is shared understanding of Finland and Germany on the need to strengthen the EU's global role in mitigating climate change, promoting free trade and defending the rules-based system, "which has a strong transatlantic foundation."

Rinne said he and Merkel had discussed the priorities of the Finnish EU presidency, the climate and energy policy, the multi-annual financial framework, EU enlargement and rule of law.

"The aim is that we would have the figures of the financial framework by the end of October so that we can then continue the discussions based on them," Rinne said.

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