Finland's activities in Afghanistan

Government Communications Unit

Press release  33/2007
2.2.2007

On Friday, 2 February 2007, the President of the Republic and the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed Finland's activities in Afghanistan and a Declaration of Principles for cooperation in the field of defence technology between Finland and the United States.

Finland will continue to support Afghanistan annually by approximately EUR 10 million and provide the Nato-led ISAF operation with an approximately 100 peacekeepers and civilian experts.  In the future, the aim is to target participation in one of the Provincial Reconstruction Teams. In addition, Finland is ready to participate with ten civilian experts in the EU’s operation which is currently under preparation and aimed to support the police and criminal justice system in Afghanistan.

The meeting also discussed a Declaration of Principles for cooperation in the field of defence technology that has been negotiated between the Finnish and US Defence Ministries. The Declaration of Principles includes an intention to develop closer cooperation within defence industry and it provides better ground and framework for further talks on cooperation between the Defence Ministries. If mutually interesting cooperation areas can be identified, relating decisions will me made separately. The declaration will also promote the Finnish defence industry’s competitiveness and potential for cooperation in the United States.

The declaration is based on a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the procurement of defence material which the countries signed in 1991. 

The United States has signed a Declaration of Principles with several European states.

Further information: Hannele Voionmaa, Counsellor, tel. +358 9 160 5485, and Rauli Suikkanen, Counsellor, tel. +358 9 1605 5523, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Olli-Pekka Jalonen, Head of Unit, tel. +358 9 1608 8154 and Jari Takanen, Head of Unit, tel. +358 9 1608 8258, Ministry of Defence