Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces Visited Finland

The Chief of the Defence Command, Lieutenant General Vesa Virtanen hosted the visit of the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Major General Amir Baram on 5-6 July 2023.

During his visit Major General Baram received briefings and demonstrations on the Finnish defence system, Finnish conscript training and operations of the Finnish Border Guard. The discussion topics of the visit included bilateral cooperation between Finland and Israel. 

Chief of Defence Command Finland, Lieutenant General Vesa Virtanen said that the visit was an excellent opportunity to discuss both cooperation, as well as the system of general conscription that Finland and Israel have in common. 

– It was a pleasure to host General Baram’s visit to Finland. Our countries have similarities, such as a strong defence system based on general conscription. Israel is also a key partner in defence materiel acquisitions, says Lieutenant General Virtanen.

Major General Baram describes the visit as a successful, mutual learning experience.

– I am grateful to have had the opportunity to visit Finland and be hosted in this wonderful country. Considering our similarities and close ties, we have a lot to learn from each other and I am so glad we were able to continue doing so in this visit.

The visit included observing conscript training in Karelia Brigade, a visit the Southeast Finland Border Guard Disctrict at Vaalimaa and a visit to the Mannerheim museum in Helsinki.