The key functions of the Ministry are foreign and security policy and matters of foreign political significance. The Ministry promotes Finland's commercial and economic interests, takes responsibility for development policy and development cooperation and participates in the management of globalisation, develops international and EU law and human rights, and takes care of public diplomacy. The network of diplomatic and consular missions abroad serves Finnish citizens and Finnish society as a whole.
The operating and financial plans are based on the Government Programme, the Strategy of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Future Review of the administrative branch, and other policy documents prepared by the Government, as well as policy guidelines adopted by Parliament. The objectives concerning effectiveness and operational efficiency, which have been set for the administrative branch, guide the activities, establishment of priorities and allocation of resources.