Dear Finnish Peacekeepers,
This year, the coronavirus pandemic has affected our lives in many ways, including crisis management operations. With proactive planning and responsible implementation, health security has been increased among military troops. All peacekeepers are to thank for this.
Crisis management duties are diverse and operating environments challenging. Promoting peace and stability as well as supporting democracy and human rights in the host country require a wide range of expertise from peacekeepers. In such work, trained and professional Finnish personnel have the opportunity to show their strengths.
Local conditions are often harsh. Unrest and extremist activity highlight concern for the safety of one’s own forces and the local population. Such circumstances require a constant readiness to act as the situation demands.
The world is closely interlinked and even conflicts that seem very distant are often reflected far afield. As peacekeepers, you strengthen the security of crisis areas and at the same time work for global stability.
Most of you will spend Christmas far from home and your families. I thank you for your service and your valuable work for the good of international peace and Finland.
I wish you a peaceful Christmas and a happy 2021.
Sauli Niinistö
President of the Republic of Finland