President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb and his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb visited Niirala and Joensuu in Eastern Finland on Wednesday 27 March 2024.
President Stubb’s first trip in Finland began at the Tohmajärvi border guard station, where he was introduced to the activities of the North Karelia Border Guard District. After a presentation of the duties, materiel and equipment of border patrols, President Stubb made a short visit to the national border.
In Joensuu, the President met with representatives of the city to discuss current issues in the region. After that, the President paid a visit to the Karsikko comprehensive school, where pupils interviewed him and showed him around the school. Meanwhile, Suzanne Innes-Stubb had the opportunity to visit school classes with lessons in different subjects.
Looking to the future with peace of mind
At the press meeting, President Stubb said that he was happy to make his first domestic trip to Eastern Finland. “This region, especially North Karelia, has suffered as a result of the war and also because the border is closed. I wanted to see, hear and understand the security and economic situation here.
“When you observe and realize the state of readiness of the main actors in our society – the Defence Forces, the Police and the Border Guard – you can look to the future with peace of mind.”
President Stubb said that the vitality of Eastern Finland is also a matter of security. “With this in mind, all measures must be taken to keep the whole of Finland inhabited, including Eastern Finland. We cannot afford to allow Eastern Finland, Northern Finland or any region in Finland to wither away.”
Meeting in the market square
At the end of the visit, the President stopped for a coffee and met with locals in the Joensuu market square, where many people had gathered.
During the public event, President Stubb was interviewed by biathlete Kaisa Mäkäräinen. Speaking of security, President Stubb noted that it is safeguarded by three locks: a strong national defence, NATO and EU memberships and defence cooperation with the United States (DCA). “When you listen to Finland and the Finnish people, at least I have a very safe feeling that things are in order and the situation is under control.”