Oct 11 2022

General Cavoli visits Finland to meet defence leaders

They discussed a variety of topics related to the peace and security of the Euro-Atlantic area of operation. General Cavoli was hosted in Finland by Chief of Defence, General Timo Kivinen.

“Finland has been a stalwart partner of NATO for many years,” said General Cavoli. “With the very real potential for NATO membership now on the horizon"

Finland as a NATO Ally would certainly improve the strategic environment in the Baltic region and make the defence of the same stronger, more resilient, and certainly more integrated as the world continues to evolve and security challenges become more complex

During the visit, General Cavoli met with Finland’s Minister of Defence, Antti Kaikkonen and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pekka Haavisto. General Cavoli received various briefings from Finnish senior military and civilian leaders on the history, structure, and capabilities of Finland’s military.

General Cavoli met with Finland’s Minister of Defence, Antti Kaikkonen and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pekka Haavistoorem

“Finland is one of NATO’s closest partners,” said General Cavoli. “We have been working together to strengthen our collective security for some time now. We share many values and work well together, consistently and faithfully. As political discussion continues across the Alliance regarding NATO membership for Finland, please know that the preparations for our combined NATO-Finland military integration has already started and we are well on our way for complete success in this area.”

Finland has been a partner to NATO since 1994. The partnership has evolved over the years and the Finnish Defence Forces interoperability with NATO has been tested successfully in combined exercises and operations

"Political discussion regarding Finland's NATO membership follows its own process. Simultaneously the military integration is moving forward. As part of this integration process, SACEUR's visit presents an important milestone. I have been honored to host General Cavoli here in Finland." said General Kivinen.