(Press Release: Provisional Translation)
September 14, 2026
Ministry of Defense Japan
On Thursday, September 10, Vice-Minister Ando held a meeting with Mr. Kuusela, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of Finland, during his visit to Japan. They exchanged views on the security policies of Japan and Finland, the regional situation, and Japan-Finland defense cooperation.
Both sides confirmed that, under the current severe security environment, the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is inseparable. They also concurred on continuing to work closely together between Japan and Finland through the further deepening of defense cooperation and exchanges.
H.E. Mr. Hellman, Ambassador designate of Finland, Embassy of Finland also attended the meeting. Vice-Minister Ando conveyed his congratulations on Ambassador-designate Hellman’s forthcoming assumption of office and stated that he looked forward to working together to further advance Japan-Finland cooperation.