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Thu, 22 Jan, 2015 12:05:11 AM President meets Juncker today FTimes – STT Report, Jan 22  President Sauli Niinistö (left.) wet with EU Parliament President Martin Schulz in Brussels on Wednesday. Photo Lehtikuva. President Sauli Niinistö on Wednesday said European citizens including the Finns would appreciate it very much if the issue of security is raised as one of European Union priorities.
The president made the remarks in a meeting with senior figures of the EU during his ongoing visit in Brussels.
The president is currently on a two-day visit in Brussels where he will meet the heads of various EU institutions, the first such visit during his tenure.
The president said he had spoken in great length about European common security with European Parliament President Martin Schulz as well as with European Council President Donald Tusk.
President Sauli Niinistö (left.) And European Council President Donald Tusk shake hands during their meeting in Brussels on Wednesday. Photo Lehtikuva. Niinistö’s visit to Brussels comes after the country has raised the level of vigilance due to terrorism threat, and soldiers in camouflage uniforms holding machine guns could be seen outside EU buildings in Brussels.
“Of course, it is awakening, when suddenly there are soldiers on the street of that kind of society which is founded on peace and freedom,” Niinistö told the Finnish media after holding a meeting with former Finnish premier and current European Commissioner Jyrki Katainen.
The president explained that his discussion with Schulz Tusk was not so much focused on terrorism, because the matter falls under the precinct of the Finnish government.
Instead, the president remained within his limited role, which is in the foreign, security and defence policy.
President Sauli Niinistö (left.) And EU Commission Vice-President of Finance Jyrki Katainen meet in Brussels on Wednesday. Photo Lehtikuva. Niinistö also raised the issue of hybrid warfare in reference to concrete development of defence and common security of the European community.
“Hybrid warfare is a completely new element, and in Europe there is no common answer,” observed Niinistö.
The president also met with Ilkka Salmi, director of the EU Intelligence Analysis Centre, and Georgij Alafuzoff, director of the Intelligence Directorate of the European Union Military Staff.
On Thursday, Niinistö will meet EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.
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| Saturday, 20 April, 2024 |
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