Four NATO warships are moored in the port of Helsinki — it's good that we have friends, says Defense Minister Kaikkonen
Finland will more often take part in international naval exercises, Yle reports. 20 maneuvers are planned by the end of the year. They will be part of the preparation for the "time of uncertainty" and possible "intervention" of Russia in the period between the application and the granting of membership in NATO.
Pirjo Auvinen
Currently, four warships from the USA, Germany and France are moored in the Helsinki port of Hernesaari. American and German vessels are taking part in exercises in the Baltic Sea.
According to the Navy, interest in Finland has increased. The visit is a sign of support for Finland, which has applied for membership in NATO, according to the commander of the Naval flotilla Jussi Yamsen (Jussi Jämsén).
"Of course, this is how we interpret what is happening, now everyone is showing significant interest in Finland. We really appreciate that these ships come here to Helsinki."
There will be more military exercises
On May 27, the Ministry of Defense announced that Finland will take part in international naval exercises more often. 20 training events are planned for the rest of the year, eight of which will be new for Finland.
These exercises are part of preparations for a "time of uncertainty" and possible Russian intervention in the period between the application and the granting of NATO membership, says Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen.
"During the consideration of the application for membership in NATO, we will strengthen our partnership relations. In particular, this will manifest itself in the fact that we will conduct more exercises with close partners, as well as conduct other types of visits in the coming months," Kaikkonen said on May 28.
According to Kaikkonen, the increase in the number of exercises cannot be called a serious change.
"However, this is a clear signal that Finland is supported, and this also contributes to strengthening Finland's defense capability."
Kaikkonen: in an unstable situation, the value of cooperation increases
According to Kaikkonen, naval visits were agreed upon even before applying for NATO membership, but the presence of warships in Finnish territorial waters is a strong signal.
"This shows that we have good partnership relations and we are actively cooperating in the field of defense. Cooperation, of course, has taken place before, but in such an unstable situation, its value, of course, increases. It's good that we have friends."
Orpo: a strong signal towards Russia
Petteri Orpo, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Defense, considers the increase in the number of military exercises a good and expected decision.
"This is part of the plan to ensure Finland's security during the consideration of Finland's application to join NATO. Thanks to the exercises, the presence of friendly countries on the territory of Finland and adjacent territories is increasing. This is very good for Finland."
In addition, Orpo believes that the visit of military vessels of NATO member countries to Helsinki is Finland's support.
"We have received a clear signal of strong support from the United States, Great Britain and many other NATO countries. This is how they show that they value Finland's security and Finland's membership in NATO."
"This is a strong political signal to other countries, as well as a message to Russia that we are being taken seriously."
