The Chief of the Defence Command visited Poland

The Chief of the Defence Command, Lieutenant General Vesa Virtanen visited Poland 26-27 August 2024. The visitation was hosted by the Vice Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, Major General Karol Dymanowski.

Lieutenant General Virtanen met with the leadership of the Polish Armed Forces and visited the 1st Armoured Brigade in Warsaw.

During the visit, discussions were held on the current security situation, support for Ukraine, the development of the countries' reserve systems, and other contemporary issues related to the development of the armed forces.

Lieutenant General Virtanen believes that exchanging thoughts among allies is crucial:

-    I thank the Polish Armed Forces for the visit! Poland is a strategically significant country in the heart of Europe. It has powerful forces and significant defense procurement. I am impressed by the capability of the 1st Armored Brigade in Warsaw. I consider the exchange of thoughts among allies to be crucial. Finland shares many common interests with Poland. We are strongly committed together to the security of the entire alliance.
 

Visiting the 1st Armored Brigade in Warsaw.

Major General Dymanowski emphasizes enhanced collective security:

-    I am glad to host such a high representative from Finnish Defence Forces in General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces. I am deeply convinced that by joining NATO not only significantly improved Finland it’s security but also collective one. We have common interest in the region and we share the same security threats, like hybrid attacks on our borders. The PAF is looking for closer defence cooperation with Finnish Defence Command especially in area of personnel management.

Visiting the 1st Armored Brigade in Warsaw.

_{The Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland serve to protect the national independence and the integrity of its territory. They ensure the security and inviolability of the national borders. As the primary component of the national defence system, they implement the security policy and the defence policy. More information here.}