The Kultaranta Talks, hosted by President Sauli Niinistö, began on Sunday in Naantali, southwest Finland.
About 100 people from various walks of life have been invited to take part in the annual discussion series at the president's official summer residence.
The keynote guests are Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who took office last autumn.
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The theme of the discussions, which continue through Monday, is the "responsible, strong and stable Nordic region”. Participants include political decision-makers, researchers and representatives of government, industry, NGOs and the media.
The Kultaranta Talks have not taken place in Naantali for two years. In 2020, the discussions were held at Yle studios in Helsinki, and last year they were cancelled altogether due to the pandemic. Next year the event will have to be held elsewhere as Kultaranta, the summer residence of Finland's presidents for 100 years, will undergo renovation.
Niinistö: "Important to listen to Ankara's views"
Niinistö and Stoltenberg held a joint press conference on Sunday afternoon after one-on-one talks that began at 2 pm.
Speaking to reporters, Niinistö and Stoltenberg reiterated some of their previous statements about Finland's Nato membership application, which has been stalled by Turkish demands.
The president said he was surprised by Turkey's opposition to the bid, but that it was important to listen to Ankara's views. He said that Finland had received positive messages from Turkey about a possible application months before the actual decision.
There is plenty of discussion ongoing between Turkey and Finland, Niinistö said, adding that it is important to tell Turkey as much as possible about what Finland has already done in regard to its concerns.
According to Niinistö, there are not any larger problems related to terrorism in Finland compared to other Nato countries. That is why it is sometimes difficult to understand Turkey's views, he added. Ankara accuses Finland and Sweden of harbouring terrorists.
Stoltenberg said the Nato membership of Finland and Sweden would increase the security of both Nato and the Nordic region. He noted that the alliance has increased its presence in Finland's neighbouring areas.
In Stoltenberg's view, Nato has taken Turkey's security concerns into account and they are understandable. No other Nato country has suffered as much from terrorist attacks as Turkey, he said, adding that Turkey plays an important role in the alliance due to its strategic location.
Three security discussions available on Yle Areena
Niinistö and Stoltenberg were then scheduled to join the opening discussion from 6:15 to 7:30 pm. The focus was the war in Ukraine, the current security situation and Finland’s Nato membership bid.
On Monday morning, Støre will discuss Nordic security with Speaker of Parliament Matti Vanhanen (Cen) and the directors of the Swedish and Finnish institutes of international affairs.
That will be followed by a security policy debate in Finnish featuring Defence Forces Commander Timo Kivinen, Education Minister Li Andersson (Left), Foreign Affairs Committee chair Jussi Halla-aho (Finns) and Defence Committee chair Petteri Orpo (NCP).
Yle is broadcasting the main discussions, which are mostly in English, live on Yle TV1 and Yle Areena. They will also be available afterwards via Yle Areena.
18:27 Updated with Niinistö and Stoltenberg comments, other details.