The President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed China, Ukraine, European Intervention Initiative, main military exercise of the Defence Forces and Government Report on Defence Policy

On Thursday 22 August, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed Finland’s relations with China. They also discussed the situation in Hong Kong that gives rise to concern.

In addition, the President and the Ministerial Committee discussed the situation in Ukraine. The topics included the conflict in eastern Ukraine, Ukraine’s reform processes, and bilateral relations between Finland and Ukraine. Finland stresses Ukraine’s self-determination and territorial integrity. The President of the Republic Niinistö will pay an official visit to Ukraine on 12–13 September.

The President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee received an update on the implementation of the European Intervention Initiative (EI2) and discussed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding concerning EI2. Finland has participated in EI2 since 7 November 2018.

The President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee also received a situation report on the ARCTIC LOCK military exercise of the Finnish Defence Forces, to be held in 2021.

Furthermore, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee discussed the preparation of the Government Report on Defence Policy, which is to be started as stated in the Government Programme.

Inquiries: Mikko Kinnunen, Director General, tel. +358 295 351 820, Piritta Asunmaa, Director General (China), tel. +358 295 351 247, Maimo Henriksson, Director General (Ukraine), Ministry for Foreign Affairs; Janne Kuusela, Director General (EI2, military exercise, Defence Policy Report), tel. +358 295 140 300, Ministry of Defence