Fort Smith, Ark. – The City of Fort Smith welcomed the Ambassador of Finland to the United States, Leena-Kaisa Mikkola, during the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting.
Acting City Administrator Jeff Dingman and City Directors Neal Martin, Kevin Settle, and Christina Catsavis attended the event alongside local community members and business leaders.
Ambassador Mikkola delivered a keynote address highlighting the growing partnership between Finland and Fort Smith.
Beginning in 2026, the Finnish Air Force will train on F-35 fighter jets at the Foreign Military Sales Pilot Training Center, located at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith.
City officials expressed gratitude to the Chamber for hosting the event and said they look forward to strengthening the international relationship between Finland and the Fort Smith community.