In an official visit to Poland, Finnish President Sauli Niinistö was welcomed by President Andrzej Duda, with talks emphasizing Poland’s support for Finland amid hybrid aggression from Russia at the border.
President Niinistö was warmly received by his Polish counterpart at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw. The visit, starting with one-on-one discussions and delegation meetings, concluded with a joint press conference where President Duda reaffirmed Poland’s solidarity with Finland in light of the latest accusations that Moscow is facilitating an influx of illegal immigration into the Scandinavian country.
President Duda noted that the main topic of conversation was the security of NATO’s eastern flank, with Finland being the alliance’s newest member, and the ongoing migration crisis at the Finnish border.
He clarified that the migration pressure observed at the Russian-Finnish border is primarily exerted by Russia, likening it to the hybrid attacks Poland has faced since 2021.
Duda assured Finland of Poland’s support in defending not only its border but also that of the European Union, recognizing Finland’s role in fulfilling its EU obligations.
Furthermore, President Duda stated that Finland could rely on Poland for political support and to share its experience in countering such threats, drawing on over two years of experience in border defense.
The Finnish response to the migration pressure included closing four border crossings with Russia. Helsinki accused the Kremlin of instigating the migration crisis and will enforce restrictions initially for three months.
The press conference also touched on security situations in the region, including the war in Ukraine and Middle Eastern conflicts, with President Duda reiterating Poland’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. He emphasized the importance of NATO membership for Ukraine’s security, highlighting the goal of reclaiming internationally recognized borders.
Finland’s recent accession to NATO in April, following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, was celebrated by President Duda as a significant reinforcement of the Alliance and the security of Europe.
The visit serves as a farewell to President Niinistö as he prepares to step down from his position after 12 years.
