President and Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discuss Finland’s participation in certain crisis management operations, an Arctic Summit, the situation in the Middle East and Finland’s NATO partnership

On Friday 1 June, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed Finland's participation in certain international crisis management operations.

The meeting outlined that Finland will continue to participate in security sector training as well as in advise and assist (A&A) activities in Iraq between 1 January and 31 December 2019, contributing approximately 80 soldiers within the Global Coalition against ISIL/Daesh. The President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy also outlined that Finland will increase its contribution in NATO’s crisis management operation ‘Resolute Support’ in Afghanistan to roughly 60 soldiers as of 1 January 2019 for the time being. Finland’s participation will be concentrated henceforth in the German-led command region in northern Afghanistan.

The President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy outlined that Finland will continue to promote the convening of an Arctic Summit during Finland’s Chairmanship of the Arctic Council (2017–2019). The aim is to strengthen the Arctic States’ endeavours to secure peace, stability and constructive cooperation in the region.

The meeting also discussed the current situation in the Middle East. Finland expresses concern about the increasing tensions in the region. The decision by the United States to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal is regrettable. However, efforts must be made to preserve the deal, the deal being crucial for the regional security in the Middle East and for non-proliferation. Efforts to resolve the Syrian conflict through the UN-led Geneva process must be accelerated. Finland hopes that the new government in Iraq will continue resolutely to stabilise and reconstruct the country in cooperation with its international partners. The situation in Gaza is of great concern. Actions must be taken immediately to ease the humanitarian crisis and to lift the blockade.

Additionally, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy received an update on topical matters related to Finland's NATO partnership. 

Inquiries: Jukka Salovaara, Director General, tel. +358 295 350 636, Aleksi Härkönen,  Ambassador for Arctic Affairs (Arctic Summit), tel. +358 295 350 471, Leena-Kaisa Mikkola, Director General, (Middle East), tel. +358 295 351 977, Ministry for Foreign Affairs; Helena Partanen, Deputy Director General (crisis management), tel. +358 295 140 310, Ministry of Defence