Finland, Sweden pledge to join NATO together

Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson arrives for an EU summit in Brussels, Oct 20, 2022. (GEERT VANDEN WIJNGAERT / AP)

HELSINKI – Ways to further enhance cooperation between Finland and Sweden, especially on their path to membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), topped the agenda of talks here between the prime ministers of the two countries on Friday.

Sweden's newly-elected Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and his host and Finnish counterpart, Sanna Marin, highlighted the importance of cooperation between Finland and Sweden, particularly in the future NATO membership.

READ MORE: Finland, Sweden joining NATO to have far-reaching implications

The trilateral agreement between Finland, Sweden and Türkiye is valid and we are committed to fulfil our obligations according to that agreement.

Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister, Sweden

"This relationship plays a particularly important role in the current crises. Concrete areas where cooperation should be strengthened include developing security of supply and countering hybrid threats," the Finnish government said in a press release.

The two leaders agreed that their countries should join NATO in lockstep.

"The trilateral agreement between Finland, Sweden and Türkiye is valid and we are committed to fulfil our obligations according to that agreement," Kristersson said. 

The agreement paves the way for the NATO allies to invite Finland and Sweden to join their ranks.

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This was Kristersson's first visit abroad since becoming prime minister last week. He also met with Finland's President Sauli Niinisto.

source https://eastmud.com/latest-news/finland-sweden-pledge-to-join-nato-together/