Great Britain signs security declarations with Sweden, Finland: The Tribune India
PTI
London, 11 May
The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is touring Europe on Wednesday to sign declarations with Sweden and Finland to strengthen their security with a promise to help in an attack, in light of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Downing Street said the declarations would see a gradual change in defense and security co-operation between Britain and each country, intensify intelligence sharing, accelerate joint military training, training and deployments and strengthen security in all three countries and northern Europe.
They will also see the UK strengthen its cooperation on traditional threats facing all three nations, while working with Sweden and Finland to address new geopolitical challenges, such as hybrid and cyber threats.
“We are steadfast and unequivocal in our support for both Sweden and Finland and the signing of these security declarations is a symbol of the eternal declaration between our nations,” Johnson said.
“When Europe celebrated VE [Victory in Europe] On the day 1945 – a victory which, of course, was not largely secured by the heroism of the Russian people – we hoped that peace on our continent would last. “Well (Russian President) Putin’s bloodthirsty campaign against a sovereign nation has put an end to that hope,” he said, referring to the end of World War II.
“And we are facing a new reality. But one that we face together. Throughout this conflict, our Nordic partners have been leading international support, not only for Ukraine but also for European security,” he added.
The declarations signed with Sweden and Finland aim to make it easier for the United Kingdom to co-operate with key Nordic partners and their armed forces, in all areas, including cyberspace. They will also involve closer cooperation on new technology and intelligence gathering.
As part of an expanded defense cooperation with Sweden and Finland, Johnson offered to increase deployment to the region, including with Royal Air Force, British Army and Royal Navy assets and personnel.
Downing Street noted that both Sweden and Finland have played a key role in supporting Ukraine to defend itself in recent weeks and months, while British, Swedish and Finnish forces have practiced together across the North and the Baltics. Both nations are part of the British Joint Expeditionary Force, which brings together 10 countries in support of stability and security in the North Atlantic, the Baltic Sea Region and the High North.
Johnson’s latest insurances are based on the ties to that defense group.