Niinistö said that Finland's participation in NATO-led air surveillance exercises in Iceland does not necessarily signal any change in the country's security policy. Niinistö was commenting on the ongoing debate over the proposed air patrols in which Finland and other Nordic countries would cooperate under the leadership of NATO member Norway.
According to the president, taking part in the exercises would present an important step in the development of Nordic security cooperation.
Niinistö spoke at the opening of a defence seminar at the House of the Estates in Helsinki on Monday.
The president also addressed the issue of Finland’s unsuccessful bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Niinistö said that, when aiming for the spot, Finland forgot to assess its actions in a self-critical manner.
The president, however, pointed out that it was not mistrust of Finland’s foreign policy that cost it the seat. According to Niinistö, Finland enjoys a strong, secure position. He added that Australia and Luxembourg, who did gain non-permanent seats on the UNSC, represent the same values as Finland.