The Chief of Defence Command, Lieutenant General Vesa Virtanen, visited the USA and Canada from 25th to 29th of May 2026.
The programme included visits to the headquarters of the US and Canadian armed forces as well as to the UN headquarters. During the trip, Lieutenant General Virtanen met Finland's Ambassador to the US, Leena-Kaisa Mikkonen, Finland's Ambassador to Canada, Hanna-Leena Korteniemi, and the Head of Finland's Permanent Representation to the UN, Elina Kalkku. The visit also provided an opportunity to meet Finnish personnel serving in the region.
Cooperation with the United States is progressing
During the visit to the US 10th Mountain Division, the discussions focused on the existing bilateral military cooperation and its development. The host of the visit was the division's commander, Major General Scott Naumann, together with his deputy commander, Brigadier General Matti Honko.
- Bilateral cooperation with the United States Armed Forces and its leadership is important for Finland. Through military cooperation, Finland's national defence and deterrence are strengthened. The depth of our cooperation is emphasised by the fact that this cooperation is developed by a Finnish general in the position of leading a division adapted to the Arctic operational environment, says Lieutenant General Virtanen.
The cooperation with Canada is being strengthened
Lieutenant General Virtanen participated in the CANSEC exhibition in Ottawa, where Finnish defence industry companies presented their technological innovations. Finnish companies have gained new markets due to Finland's membership in NATO, and Finnish technological expertise is in gratifying demand.
- Lieutenant General Virtanen notes that the success of Finnish companies in the world also supports the Defence Forces and Finland's security of supply.
In Ottawas the Chief of Defence Command met with Canada's Vice Chief of Defence, his Canadian counterpart, Lieutenant General Stephen Kelsey. Finland and Canada have much in common, and for both NATO countries, operations in Arctic conditions are routine. During the meeting, the deepening of defence cooperation was discussed, as well as increased information exchange and sharing of a common situational picture, along with the development of capabilities for Arctic environments.
The visit programme included a visit to the United Nations Headquarters, where, among other things, international peacekeeping operations, the situation in the Middle East, the UNIFIL mission, the UN's role, as well as Finland's participation in UN crisis management, were discussed. The Chief of the Defence Staff also met Finnish personnel serving at the UN.
