Minister of Defence Häkkänen to visit the United States

Finland's Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen will visit the United States in 20-23 May 2024.

In Washington DC, Minister of Defence Häkkänen will meet United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. The ministers will discuss current security affairs and defence cooperation between Finland and the United States within NATO and bilaterally.

"Finland has close defence cooperation with the United States. The DCA we signed last year reflects the United States' commitment to Finland's security, creating the conditions for cooperation in times of crises. Finland is not alone in defending itself but does so as a NATO Ally and together with the United States", says Minister Häkkänen.

Minister Häkkänen will have a bilateral meeting with NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, General Philippe Lavigne. They will discuss cooperation in the field of strategic foresight and capabilities, among other topics. Minister Häkkänen will also visit NATO's Joint Force Command in Norfolk.

Inquiries: Tuomas Koskenniemi, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 058, and Kristian Vakkuri, Head of Communications, tel. +358 295 140 123.