Summary:

President Sauli Niinistö said in his speech at the UN general assembly that narrow-minded nationalism, racism and violent extremism are destructive ideologies that must be stopped. Mr Niinistö also commented on the Syrian war and the refugee situation in Europe saying that European countries are sympathetic to refugees but that they have limited resources to look after them and to offer humanitarian aid. According to the president, humanitarian measures will not solve the root causes of migration. He called for societal reforms but emphasises that responsibility of local governments.

Media:  Helsingin Sanomat

Date: 21.9.2016

Journalist: Laura Saarikoski

Summary:

According to president Sauli Niinistö, Russia and Nato have this week continued the dialog that began from ensuring secure flights above the Baltic Sea and both parties are widening the discussion to more general security issues. Mr Niinistö points out in a blog entry that flight security above the Baltic Sea has been a cause of concern for Finland and that even small steps to improve security are positive. Nato’s secretary general Jens Stoltenberg has kept Mr Niinistö up to date on the latest developments.

Media:  Satakunnan Kansa 

Date: 18.9.2016

Journalist: STT

Main source: President Sauli Niinistö

Summary:

Finland’s and Sweden’s Ministers for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini and Margot Wallström have commented on the defence cooperation between Sweden and Finland in an op-ed in Helsingin Sanomat on Monday. The ministers state that Finland and Sweden are stronger together and that it is natural for the neighbouring countries to increase cooperation in foreign and security policy as cooperation advances stability. According to Mr Soini and Ms Wallström, cooperation will be strengthened through joint efforts in security policy and diplomat exchange.

Media:  STT Mediapankki 

Date: 12.9.2016

Journalist: STT

Main source: Ministers for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini and Margot Wallström

Summary:

Finland wants to examine carefully the meaning of Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker’s proposal of a joint headquarters for EU military missions, Prime Minister Juha Sipilä says. As such, Finland supports intensifying defence cooperation in the EU and has proposed e.g. greater cooperation in research related to the military field. Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini says the EU should concentrate on practical problems in foreign and security policy. He sees no future for an EU army but says yes to cooperation in e.g. security of supply.

Media:  MTV – Finland

Date: 14.9.2016

Journalist: Juha Kaija

Summary:

Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini says the recent Nato report ordered by the Swedish government is a reminder that Swedish solutions are carefully monitored also in Finland, as the countries share a security environment. Mr Soini is not sorry that the report does not tie together Sweden’s and Finland’s possible Nato membership like the Finnish Nato report did and points out that both countries would make their decisions independently. Mr Soini also commented on the report’s view that an intensification of the defence cooperation between Sweden and Finland would also include risks for Sweden. Mr Soini does not see any major risks for Finland, and he emphasises the importance of cooperation in training.