In a significant step towards deepening bilateral defence cooperation, Finland’s Minister of Defence, Antti Häkkänen, visited Sweden on Thursday, July 6, to meet with his Swedish counterpart, Minister for Defence Pål Jonson. The high-level discussions centered around key topics, including Sweden’s upcoming accession to NATO and the continued support of both nations towards Ukraine.
The meeting commenced with a ceremonial welcome at the Government Offices, where the Royal Swedish Navy Band played the national anthems of Finland and Sweden. This visit marked Minister Häkkänen’s first official trip abroad since assuming his position.
Following their discussions, Minister Jonson expressed the commitment of both countries to further develop and strengthen their bilateral defence cooperation. He emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation within the Nordic Defence Cooperation framework and fostering future collaboration within NATO.
The ministers also addressed continued cooperation in the field of military equipment and regional security, with particular attention to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. They acknowledged that Russia’s aggressive actions have significantly worsened the security situation in the region. Consequently, Finland and Sweden reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of sustained assistance for as long as it is necessary.
The deepening of defence ties between Finland and Sweden comes at a critical juncture, with Sweden’s forthcoming NATO accession marking a significant shift in regional security dynamics. Both nations are keen on strengthening their collaboration and playing an active role in regional and international security initiatives.
The fruitful discussions between Minister Häkkänen and Minister Jonson reflect the shared commitment of Finland and Sweden to bolster their defence cooperation and address common security challenges. These strengthened ties will contribute to regional stability and reinforce the broader framework of European defence cooperation.