If Finland decides to apply for NATO membership, Estonia will ratify the accession "at lightning speed," Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said at a news conference with Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) on Monday afternoon. All NATO countries must ratify the applications of potential new members.
Marin and Kallas met in Estonia on Monday to discuss, among other things, the security situation in Europe and co-operation on current EU issues.
"Russia has changed from a difficult neighbor to a partner state, we must be prepared to ensure the security of our region in this new situation," Kallas said.
He added that Estonia is following the ongoing NATO debate in Finland.
“We can confirm that it would be a good choice, but of course it is up to the Finns to decide. The accession of Finland and Sweden would strengthen NATO, but I believe it will also strengthen Finland’s and Sweden’s own security, Kallas said.
Marin replied that although there is currently no acute military threat to Finland, the security situation has changed significantly as a result of Russia’s actions. It has also changed the way Finns think about NATO.
"Consideration is being given to how this debate should take place, as the decision would affect the defense forces, our wider security and the economy." he said.
The Prime Minister assured that there would be an in-depth discussion in Parliament on Finland’s security issues.
"We are having an in-depth discussion on our security policy, although it will not take long, and it includes NATO," said Marin.
Although a spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharovarecently threatened "military and political consequences" Against Finland and Sweden, if they tried to join NATO, Kallas does not believe that joining NATO would increase the threat of war in Finland.
"Even if Russia says joining NATO would be a provocation, Russia is only looking for excuses. Ukraine did not provoke Russia in any way, and yet this war is ongoing, Kallas said.
When asked about the significance of the recent meeting between President Sauli Niinistö and US President Joe Biden, the Prime Minister emphasized co-operation with neighboring countries and allies, such as the United States, and Finland’s close partnership with NATO.
"It is important to look at all ways to make our environment as safe as possible, and we are looking for ways to deepen our cooperation within the EU as well. If the EU is strong, it can also be a strong partner with NATO. I don’t see any conflict of interest in that," said Marin.
At their meeting on Monday, the ministers discussed deepening co-operation between Finland and Estonia in areas such as the economy and the green transition. The survey was conducted jointly by the two governments during the past year.
"Estonia and Finland must strive to reduce their energy dependence on Russia." Kallas said.
Marin emphasized the special relationship between Finland and Estonia and its importance for energy security as European countries moved away from Russian fossil fuels.
"We have a lot in common and many areas where we can work together," said Marin.
Source: The Nordic Page