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The President and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed Finland’s participation in international training and exercises, participation in certain crisis management operations, as well as the situation in the Middle East

Government Communications Department
Publication date 1.12.2017 10.27 | Published in English on 1.12.2017 at 15.02
Press release 562/2017

On Friday 1 December, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy received a periodic review of the Defence Forces’ participation in international training and exercises in 2018. Decision on participation in the exercises is made from Finland’s own premises. In participation, both the significance of the exercises for the development of Finland’s defence capabilities and foreign and security policy perspectives will be taken into account.

In 2018, the number of international exercises will remain at the same level as they are this year. The Ministry of Defence will base its decision on the exercises on the guidelines provided by the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy, inform Parliament, and publish the matter after that. The plan relating to the international dimension of the main military exercise of 2020/21 will be presented for discussion at a session of the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy in early 2018.

The meeting also debated Finland’s participation in international crisis management. The President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy outlined that the strengthening of Finland’s participation in NATO’s training, advice and assistance mission in Afghanistan will be investigated. An update was also received of Finland’s participation in training and advice activities in the security sector in Iraq.

Additionally, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy received an update on the current situation in the Middle East, particularly in light of the recent events in Lebanon and Yemen. Finland stresses the need for mitigating regional tensions and avoiding their escalation.

Inquiries: Jukka Salovaara, Director General, tel. +358 295 350 636, Kirsikka Lehto-Asikainen (on the Middle East), Director of Unit, tel. +358 295 351 851, Ministry for Foreign Affairs; Otto Saxén (on cooperation in exercises), Director of Unit, tel. +358 295 140 314, Ministry for Foreign Affairs; Helena Partanen (on crisis management), Deputy Director General, tel. +358 295 140 310, Ministry of Defence.