Helsinki – From September 2 to 4, the Chief of Staff of the Italian Army, General Carmine Masiello, paid a working visit to Finland at the invitation of the Finnish Army Commander, Lieutenant General Pasi Välimäki.
Talks in Helsinki focused on major international security challenges, capability development within both armies, and opportunities for bilateral cooperation within NATO. Special attention was given to Finland’s integration into the Alliance, joint exercises, the exchange of best practices, and preparation for future operational scenarios, including operations in Arctic and sub-Arctic environments.
During his visit, General Masiello toured the Defense Command, the Guard Jaeger Regiment, the Utti Jaeger Regiment—where he attended the multinational exercise “Southern Griffin 25” focused on special forces—and the South-Eastern Finland Border Guard District. He praised the Finnish Army’s high level of expertise in Arctic operations and the full alignment of its capabilities with emerging operational needs.
For his part, Lieutenant General Välimäki expressed interest in strengthening knowledge of NATO’s southern flank and deepening cooperation in extreme climate operations. The visit, a statement noted, reaffirmed the strategic value of military cooperation between Italy and Finland as a concrete contribution to NATO’s deterrence and collective defense against conventional and hybrid threats in today’s international context.