New Swedish Prime Minister commits to NATO Finland-Sweden route on first official visit to Helsinki | News
It is a long tradition that Finnish and Swedish prime ministers meet very shortly after taking office.
Sweden’s newly elected Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed his country’s commitment to join the NATO alliance at the same time as Finland during his first official visit to Helsinki.
“The trilateral agreement between Finland and Sweden and Turkey is valid and we have already committed to fulfilling our obligations under that agreement and that we will do it firmly and we will do it as quickly as possible,” he said.
Kristersson made the comments at a joint press conference held with the Prime Minister of Finland True Marine (SDP) on Friday afternoon.
The entire press conference can be seen from the video at the top of this article.
Marin rejected the idea that Finland would join NATO before Sweden if, for example, Turkey refused to ratify the Swedish application.
“It is of course very important for us that Finland and Sweden join NATO hand in hand,” said Marin. “NATO membership for Finland and Sweden would strengthen the security of our countries as well as the security of the whole of northern Europe.”
Before the press conference, the two leaders discussed the energy crisis, bilateral relations, NATO membership and the war in Ukraine.
“We have to make sure that Ukraine will win the war. We will continue our support to Ukraine, the military equipment support, financial support, humanitarian support and make sure that if people flee Ukraine, we will welcome them,” Marin said.
Friday’s visit to Helsinki marks Prime Minister Kristersson’s first bilateral trip abroad since he became Sweden’s prime minister last week.
According to a long tradition, Finnish and Swedish prime ministers usually meet very soon after taking office.
Prime Minister Marin’s first visit abroad was also to Sweden.
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