Defence Minister starts 4-day visit to U.S.

Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen started a four-day visit to the United States on Monday, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on Sunday afternoon.

In Washington DC, Häkkänen will meet United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro.

The ministers will discuss current security affairs and defence cooperation between Finland and the United States within NATO and bilaterally.

"Finland has close defence cooperation with the United States. The DCA we signed last year reflects the United States' commitment to Finland's security, creating the conditions for cooperation in times of crises. Finland is not alone in defending itself but does so as a NATO Ally and together with the United States", said Häkkänen.

Häkkänen will have a bilateral meeting with NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, General Philippe Lavigne.

They will discuss cooperation in the field of strategic foresight and capabilities, among other topics. Häkkänen will also visit NATO's Joint Force Command in Norfolk.