Government Communications Department
Press release 715/2020
13.11.2020
On Friday 13 November, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed the preparation of the Government’s Defence Report.
They also discussed issues related to international crisis management. Finland currently has approximately 400 soldiers participating in ten military crisis management operations within the framework of the UN, the EU, NATO and the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. In the meeting, the President and the Ministerial Committee agreed that Finland would continue to participate in Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq with about 80 soldiers until the end of 2021. This work involves training and advisory tasks, along with the necessary staff, administrative and support functions. A report on the matter will be submitted to Parliament in accordance with the Act on Military Crisis Management.
The President and the Ministerial Committee also discussed the presidential elections in the United States. The United States is an important partner for Finland. Finland attaches great importance to the continuous, broad and longstanding relations with the United States.
Inquiries: Mikko Kinnunen, Director General, tel. +358 295 351 820, Piritta Asunmaa, Director General (United States), tel. +358 295 350 353, Ministry for Foreign Affairs; Esa Pulkkinen, Director General, tel. +358 295 140 300, Ministry of Defence