For the first time since Finland became a member of NATO, the permanent representatives of the member countries are now visiting the country. The visit takes place in Rovaniemi (northern Finland) and Rovajärvi on 20–21 November and includes, among other things, exercise activities in an Arctic environment as well as presentations on Finland's role in the alliance's northeastern corner.
During the stay, both exercise activities and security policy discussions are on the agenda. According to a press release from the Finnish Ministry of Defence, Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen will participate on Thursday and Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen will attend on Friday.
– The Arctic region has gained greater significance for the alliance with Finland's NATO membership, says Elina Valtonen in the press release.
A central part of the programme is the presentation of NATO's Forward Land Forces in Finland, FLF Finland. The initiative for the force was taken in 2024 and has since been developed with support from, among others, Sweden, the United Kingdom, France, Italy as well as the Nordic countries Norway, Denmark, and Iceland.
– I am pleased that we have been able to make rapid progress in implementing FLF Finland. It is an important part of NATO's enhanced deterrence and defence in the north, says Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen.
The visit coincides with the exercise Northern Strike 225, where NATO ambassadors gain insight into military activities in an Arctic environment as well as the Finnish conscription system. Representatives from NATO's international staff and military leadership are also present.