Minister of Defence Niinistö to Brussels

Minister of Defence Jussi Niinistö will represent Finland at the global coalition's Defeat-ISIS meeting organised in connection with the NATO Summit in Brussels on 12 July 2018. Defence Minister Niinistö will also attend an event where NATO's new training mission in Iraq will be discussed.

Convened by the United States Secretary of State, the coalition meeting will address future measures against ISIS, the work to stabilise Iraq and Syria, and the security situation in Afghanistan. A total of 72 countries and five international organisations take part in the coalition against ISIS.

The Finnish crisis management force in Iraq has provided training since 2015 under the US-led coalition's Operation Inherent Resolve. Finland provides training to the coalition's police force in Bagdad and contributes to the EU's civilian crisis management operation. Since 2014, Finland has supported Iraq's stabilisation with about EUR 18 million. Finland also made a pledge at the international conference held in February 2018 to assist Iraq's reconstruction and development with EUR 10 million.

To alleviate the consequences of the conflict in Syria, Finland has provided financial assistance for about EUR 175 million since 2011. The assistance is divided between humanitarian aid and development cooperation which includes, for example, promotion of the political process and support to the neighbouring countries that have received Syrian refugees.

As to Afghanistan, Finland takes part in NATOs Resolute Support operation. The country is Finland's biggest partner in development cooperation.

Inquiries: Director General Janne Kuusela on the working sessions, tel. +358 295 140 300 and Senior Advisor Kristian Vakkuri on communications, tel. +358 295 140 123.