India and Finland signed a joint statement of intent on Tuesday to work towards a common framework to make it easier for people to study, research and work in each other’s countries.

The statement, signed by Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan and Finnish Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen, aims to reach mutually beneficial arrangements on immigration and mobility.

“The statement underscores the determination of both countries to work together to develop a common framework of arrangements and cooperation to facilitate the movement of students, academics, researchers, businessmen and professionals and to combat irregular migration,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Haatainen is on a visit to India.

“India and Finland share a warm and friendly relationship based on shared values ​​of democracy, freedom, the rule of law and respect for human rights,” the MEA said in a statement.

The Finnish Ambassador to India, Ritva Koukku-Ronde and other senior officials of the Indian and Finnish governments attended the Declaration signing occasion.