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Photo: Petra Horáková Krištofová
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​Visit of Czech Chief of Defense Karel Řehka to Finland

On 18-19 March 2024, General Řehka held talks in Helsinki with his Finnish counterpart, General Timo Kivinen. Both Generals delivered speeches on the NATO membership of both countries at an event organized by the Czech Embassy in Helsinki on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Czech accession to NATO. In addition to the bilateral meeting between the two Chiefs of Defense and the meeting with Minister of Defense Antti Häkkänen, the visit also focused on the Finnish specific concept of comprehensive security in the current geopolitical context.

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Czech accession to NATO, the Czech Embassy in Helsinki organized a panel discussion attended by about 40 guests. In addition to the two Defense Chiefs, the panel included Outi Holopainen, Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Security Policy from the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The main topics were strengthening defense capabilities in the context of Russian aggression against Ukraine and the whole-of-society approach to national defense. Current strategic documents and strategic documents under preparation in the field of defense and security and different models of military service were also discussed.

Finland's comprehensive approach to security was presented by leading representatives and experts of the Security Committee, the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats, the National Emergency Supply Agency, the Border Guard and the Guard Jaeger Regiment in Santahamina. Emphasis was put not only on the activities of the armed forces and Ministry of Defense, but also on the involvement of the private sector and all citizens in the defense of the country.