The Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin (SDP) and his Swedish counterpart, Magdalena Anderssonsaid on Saturday its country was deepening its co-operation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking to the press in Helsinki, the prime ministers said that public opinion about NATO membership was changing in both countries. The prime ministers did not comment on new concrete forms of cooperation.
Marin did not give a direct answer when journalists investigated whether Finland and Sweden were seeking Major Non-Nato Allly (MNNA) status. MNNA is a designation under U.S. law that provides partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation. The United States has an MNNA agreement with 17 states.
When asked about Andersson’s intention to hold a referendum on NATO, Andersson replied. "referendums may not have been the best way to resolve all issues."
Marin did not want to clarify questions about how much help Finland could expect after the attack.
"We would probably get a lot of help: material help, financial help. But would we get military help – would someone send us soldiers if we needed it? That is not the case. We have no immediate threat, so this is purely speculation." he said.
The Prime Minister of Sweden, Magdalena Andersson, and her Minister of Defense Peter Hultqvist are in Helsinki on Saturday to meet the Finnish leadership. The topics of discussion are Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, its impact on the security situation in Europe and the continuation of co-operation between Finland and Sweden.
The Prime Minister of Sweden called from the President of Finland Sauli Niinistö and the President of the United States Joe Biden on Friday at a meeting of presidents at the White House. The three discussed enhanced cooperation.
Biden said on Friday that Finland is an important partner for the United States and also a strong defense partner for NATO.
Source: The Nordic Page