President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb visited Iisalmi and Kuopio on 11 and 12 November 2025.
The programme began on Tuesday, 11 November, in Iisalmi, where the President visited Juhani Aho Lower Secondary School and met local residents at a public event in the Iisalmi Sports Hall. The event featured a performance by the local vocal group Totot, followed by an interview with the President conducted by Selja Mehtätalo, Chair of the Iisalmi Youth Council, and Topias Ahomaa, a Council member.
The interview covered topics such as foreign policy, the President’s role in a changing world, and the importance of national unity.
Education was also on the agenda on Wednesday 12 November, in Kuopio, where the President delivered a public lecture at the University of Eastern Finland’s Kuopio campus and visited the Emergency Services Academy Finland to learn about emergency and rescue training. The President thanked the Academy staff for their outstanding work in rescue training:
“Finland’s rescue and security of supply efforts are recognised worldwide.”
According to the President, it is reassuring that Finland has professionals who can be deployed to assist in international operations, such as combating forest fires in Spain or participating in other rescue missions around the globe.
During his trip to North Savo, the President also visited the brewery company Olvi, the forest machine manufacturer Ponsse, and the biopharmaceutical company FinVector. The President was briefed on the companies’ activities and outlook for the future. “The region’s expertise is internationally recognised. Keep up the good work,” the President said.
At the end of the day, President Stubb paid an inspection visit to the Karelian Air Wing, a Finnish Air Force unit that will serve as the base for the new F-35 fighters. During the visit, the President received an overview of the Air Wing’s command and control operations and spoke with staff and conscripts.
