“We share a common view with Finland on the need to strengthen the defence of the Baltic Sea region and NATO’s eastern flank, as well as to continue supporting Ukraine to ensure European security. Finland’s membership of NATO has provided an even stronger foundation for our defence cooperation. Finland is also addressing legal obstacles to enabling its aircraft to operate in the airspace of other NATO Allies,” said Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.
“Finland has consistently increased its defence spending, and we both consider it important that European Allies demonstrate clear progress in strengthening defence capabilities and burden-sharing at the Ankara Summit,” he added.
Pevkur also acknowledged Finland’s role in leading the land domain of Eastern Flank Watch initiative, which involves close cooperation with Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and Sweden.
Pevkur highlighted Finland’s significant contribution to supporting Ukraine and its participation in the IT coalition led by Estonia and Luxembourg. “Together, we have raised over billion euros to provide Ukraine with critical IT support to help achieve an advantage on the battlefield and protect lives,” the minister noted. Estonia and Finland also agree that Ukraine must not be pressured into making concessions in negotiations in exchange for empty promises.
Minister Pevkur was in Finland on a state visit together with the President of Estonia, Alar Karis, and Mrs Sirje Karis. The visit also included meetings with the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, and Speaker of Parliament Jussi Halla-aho.
