Government Communications Department
23.5.2025
Press release
In their meeting on Friday 23 May, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed the current efforts to put an end to Russia’s unlawful war of aggression and achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, as well as Finland’s participation in NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU).
The President and the Ministerial Committee received an update on the situation in Gaza. Finland urges Israel to fulfil its responsibilities under international law and to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. The politicisation of aid by the parties involved is unacceptable. Hamas must release the hostages that remain in its custody. The President and the Ministerial Committee also stressed the importance of restoring the ceasefire and initiating peace talks. The security of Israel and the Palestinians must be guaranteed with due respect for international law.
The President and the Ministerial Committee discussed the NATO Meeting of Defence Ministers to be held in Brussels on 5 June. The defence ministers’ meeting will focus on preparations for the NATO Summit in The Hague. The meeting is expected to contribute to bolstering NATO’s deterrence and defence.
The President and the Ministerial Committee also received a briefing on the Defence Forces’ participation in international exercises in 2026. Finland’s NATO membership, deepening bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation and significant changes in the security environment have a wide-ranging impact on the Defence Forces’ exercises. Exercises are a key component of NATO’s common deterrence and defence and a way for the Alliance to demonstrate its defence capabilities.
Inquiries: Petri Hakkarainen, Director General, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 295 351 130; Janne Kuusela, Director General, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 300
