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2012-08-01

Interview with His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Defense LTG Arto Raty

His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Arto Raty, Finland, paid an official visit to the UAE recently to hold talks with senior officials on issues of mutual concern and ways to boost bilateral relations. “Nation Shield”, the official Journal of the UAE Armed Forces, had a wide ranging interview with the deputy minister. Excerpts:

By: Jassim Shaheen Al Bloushi

Photo: Abdul Rahman bin Abbad

Your defense minister had visited the UAE earlier. What has been the follow up since then?

The visit resulted in deeper cooperation. We have maintained very good relations at all times but the ties have developed during the last few years. For example, we have had several bilateral visits from top officials. These contacts resulted in the Joint Coordination Group which meets every year. It is important to learn from each other’s experience, particularly in the area of defense. This will take the ties further forward.

What is the current status of cooperation between the armed forces of the UAE and Finland?

It is a very open relationship, well organized and based on the bilateral Joint Coordination Group. We have a high ranking official as chairman of the group from our side. We exchange our views and experience regarding defense planning, reforms and upgrades to meet the future needs.

Can you tell us about the major milestones achieved by mutual cooperation?

One major milestone is to know the people, which is the foundation for a good cooperation even in today’s digitalized world. In my understanding, everything in the end is based on relations between human beings. We have a good structure for cooperation, annual meetings and programs to follow. I am actually waiting for practical results to come. We have already exchanged information on training and education and we have also exchanged lessons learned. I believe both nations have benefited from these lessons.

What is your impression about IDEX and Dubai Air Show?

IDEX and Dubai Air show are some of the leading defense exhibitions in the world. I am impressed by the organization, structure and leadership behind them. There is an opportunity for our industry to be present there. The latest technology is always on display at these exhibitions. It is very useful and important for nations and individuals to see what kind of possibilities there are for the development of defense. In addition, IDEX and Dubai Air show act as meeting points for decision makers from the manufacturing side as well as from the customer side. High-level delegations from around the world visit these events.

What opportunities do the UAE and Finland have to ensure regional and world peace?

The size of a nation does not dictate the possibilities they have when it comes to promoting world peace. Every nation has a role to play. Both the UAE and Finland are active players in the international arena. The UAE can offer a lot because of its economic resources; however money does not provide all answers. We have to utilize the comprehensive approach meaning political means, humanitarian aid and civilian and military support to solve any crisis. We also need strong leadership to play an active role, and the UAE has been blessed with excellent leadership throughout its history.

How do you evaluate the UAE’s role in maintaining world peace?

Even though I may not be the right person to do this evaluation, I would say that the UAE is playing an important role, especially in the region, and I hope the UAE will carry on doing it.

Would you comment on UAE’s achievements in humanitarian and disaster relief missions?

I know that the UAE has been active in many areas using the military and civilian assets to support these missions, which is a positive sign. The UAE’s name appears in many missions. Every nation has to make an effort and take a comprehensive approach to help distressed nations. It is not only about the military, but we need other assets too, and the UAE have done it extremely well.

How important is it to keep regional sea routes open to maintain global energy security?

The four global commons (space, sea, air and cyber) are all very important and have to be kept globally open for all actors. The world depends on sea routes, and they should be open for all nations and players to use them.

What is special about UAE-Finland ties?

It is in a way surprising that the UAE and Finland have so good relations, although we come from two entirely different parts of the world with different cultures. We share some commonalities like extreme weather conditions, yours is hot weather, ours is cold and the size of the population is quite small. I feel that on the whole our cooperation is very fruitful.

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