Finnish soldiers to continue training in Iraq until end of 2021

The president and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy on Friday agreed that Finland would continue to participate in Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq with about 80 soldiers until the end of 2021.

This work involves training and advisory tasks, along with the necessary staff, administrative and support functions.

The committee at a meeting also decided that a report on the matter will be submitted to parliament in accordance with the Act on Military Crisis Management, said a government press release.

The committee also discussed the preparation of the government’s defence report and issues related to international crisis management.

Finland currently has approximately 400 soldiers participating in 10 military crisis management operations within the framework of the UN, the EU, NATO, and the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.

The meeting also discussed the US presidential elections.

The United States is an important partner for Finland. Finland attaches great importance to the continuous, broad and longstanding relations with the United States, the meeting observed.