Britain promises to defend Sweden if attacked
The agreement will “strengthen northern Europe’s defense, in the face of renewed threats,” Johnson said in a statement, adding that it “is a symbol of the eternal assurance of our nations.”
“This is not a short-term stop, but a long-term commitment to strengthen military ties and global stability, and strengthen Europe’s defense for future generations,” Johnson said in the statement. Finland shares a land border of 1,340 kilometers (830 km) with Russia.
The Kremlin has warned of “military and political repercussions” if Sweden and Finland decide to join NATO.
Should Sweden and Finland apply, there will be a transitional period from the submission of an application until all 30 NATO member parliaments have ratified it. The two Nordic countries are expected to announce their positions on NATO membership in the coming days.
Johnson also offered during his one-day visit to increase the deployment of British troops and military assets to the region.
He met Andersson in Harpsund, the country of the Swedish prime ministers, which is located about 90 kilometers southwest of Stockholm.
The United Kingdom is already present in the Baltic Sea areas with the Joint Expeditionary Force, which consists of 10 northern European nations: Great Britain, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Norway.
In 2017, Sweden and Finland joined the British-led military rapid reaction force, which is designed to be more flexible and respond faster than the larger NATO alliance. It uses NATO standards and doctrines, so it can work in cooperation with NATO, the UN or other multinational coalitions. Fully operational since 2018, the force has carried out a number of exercises both independently and in collaboration with NATO.