Minister of Defence Jussi Niinistö to visit Israel

Minister of Defence Jussi Niinistö will make a working visit to Israel on 8 to 10 October. The visit will be hosted by Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

The ministers will discuss the bilateral relations between the two countries, regional security situation, materiel cooperation and crisis-management operations.

During his visit, Minister Niinistö will also familiarise himself with the UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organization) headquarters in Jerusalem. He will meet Major General Kristin Lundin of Norway who is the Head of Mission and Chief of Staff, and Deputy Chief of Staff, Colonel Petteri Kajanmaa.

UNTSO's mission is to observe and maintain the truce agreements between Israel and the surrounding Arab states and prevent the escalation of incidents into crises. Finland's contributes to the operation with about 20 staff.

Inquiries: Lari Pietiläinen, Aid-de-Camp to the Minister of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 102; and Special Adviser Kristian Vakkuri on communications, tel. +358 295 140 123.