President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö and his spouse Jenni Haukio made an official visit to Poland on 20–21 November 2023. The visit was hosted by President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda and his spouse Agata Kornhauser-Duda.
On Monday 20 November, President Niinistö had a tête-à-tête meeting with President Duda at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw. Topics discussed included the bilateral relations between Finland and Poland, regional security issues such as border security and hybrid threats, the support for Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and the relations between the superpowers.
At a joint press conference with his Polish counterpart, and later when meeting Finnish media, President Niinistö said that relations between the two countries are excellent. Poland is an important trading partner for Finland and economic cooperation in the energy sector, for example, will be further promoted.
This time, however, the President said that the discussions focused on the current situation and defence cooperation rather than on the economy, because “security and peace are more important than trade.”
President Niinistö said he always felt there were similarities between the Finnish and Polish way of thinking. “I’m talking about ordinary people; how we feel about the defence and security of our countries. We have always understood that the most important thing for individuals and families is that they can continue their lives in peace.” He also pointed out that Finland and Poland have both actively developed their defence since the Second World War.
Border security is a concern for the whole European Union
Regarding border security, President Niinistö said he considered it important to hear about Poland’s experience and to continue the debate in the EU. According to him one of the European Union’s key responsibilities is to secure its borders. “How EU borders are maintained is not just a question for Poland, Latvia, Lithuania or Finland. It is a concern for the whole European Union.”
The President also reiterated the balance between human rights and national security. He noted that international treaties, such as the Geneva Convention, were not drafted to meet today’s circumstances. For example, asylum seekers cannot be effectively returned even if they do not meet the criteria for protection. “This means that there is no longer a balance between human rights and national security. It also explains why we have to resort to various means to protect ourselves.”
The Presidents also discussed the situation in the Middle East and the relations between the superpowers. President Niinistö mentioned that in this respect the world has also seen small glimmers of hope, such as the meeting between the US and Chinese Presidents and the negotiations on the release of hostages and a cease-fire in Gaza. The President affirmed that the support for Ukraine will remain strong.
On Monday 20 November, President Niinistö’s program also included a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and meetings with the Speaker of the Sejm, the Polish Parliament, Szymon Hołownia, and with Senate Speaker Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska. The day ended with a dinner hosted by the President of Poland and his spouse.
The second day of President Niinistö’s visit started with a discussion with students from the University of Warsaw on security in Europe and its neighbourhood.
In addition to the joint programme of the presidential couple, Jenni Haukio was accompanied by Agata Kornhauser-Duda to discover, among other things, the artistic and cultural history of Poland at the Royal Castle and the Royal Łazienki Museum in Warsaw.
President Niinistö previously visited Poland in 2020 to attend the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. President Duda last visited Finland in 2017.
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President of Poland Andrzej Duda welcomed President Sauli Niinistö on an official visit to Poland. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President of Poland Andrzej Duda and his spouse Agata Kornhauser-Duda received president Sauli Niinistö and his spouse Jenni Haukio on an official visit to Poland. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Welcoming ceremonies in front of the Presidential Palace in Warsaw. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Welcoming ceremonies in front of the Presidential Palace in Warsaw. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Niinistö inspects the Guard of Honour accompanied by President Duda in the courtyard of the Presidential Palace in Warsaw. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Niinistö inspects the Guard of Honour accompanied by President Duda in the courtyard of the Presidential Palace in Warsaw. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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The Presidents greet the delegations. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Dr Jenni Haukio, President Sauli Niinistö, President of Poland Andrzej Duda and his spouse Agata Kornhauser-Duda. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Tête-à-tête discussion between President of Poland Andrzej Duda and President of Finland Sauli Niinistö in Warszaw on 20 November 2023. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Tête-à-tête discussion between President of Poland Andrzej Duda and President of Finland Sauli Niinistö in Warszaw on 20 November 2023. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Joint press conference by the President of Finland and the President of Poland. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Joint press conference. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Niinistö met with Szymon Hołownia, Speaker of the Sejm, the Polish Parliament in Warszaw on 20 November 2023. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Niinistö met with Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, Speaker of the Senate, in Warszaw on 20 November 2023. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President of Poland Andrzej Duda and his spouse Agata Kornhauser-Duda hosted a dinner at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw on 20 November 2023. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President of Poland Andrzej Duda and his spouse Agata Kornhauser-Duda hosted a dinner at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw on 20 November 2023. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President of Poland Andrzej Duda and his spouse Agata Kornhauser-Duda hosted a dinner at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw on 20 November 2023. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Sauli Niinistö gave a speech at the dinner at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw on 20 November 2023. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Rector of the University of Warsaw, Professor Alojzy Z. Nowak and President Sauli Niinistö walking to a debate with students at the University of Warsaw on 21 November 2023. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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On 21 November 2023, President Niinistö participated in a discussion with students at the University of Warsaw on security in Europe and its neighbourhood. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Niinistö participated in a discussion with students at the University of Warsaw on security in Europe and its neighbourhood. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Niinistö participated in a discussion with students at the University of Warsaw on security in Europe and its neighbourhood. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland