The government leaders from the two new NATO member states last week met in Stockholm to discuss a comprehensive extension of cooperation. They were accompanied by several ministers from both sides.
“It’s wonderful to see how close we are and how much we can cooperate both internationally and bilaterally,” Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo underlined as he met his Swedish colleague Ulf Kristersson.
The declaration signed during the visit includes a number of priorities, among them defense cooperation, civil preparedness, emergency planning, and security of supply.
Also Arctic research is on the list, and the two countries intend to jointly develop a new icebreaker.
“Sweden and Finland have Arctic expertise to jointly explore the development of a state-of-the-art research icebreaker to ensure sustainable and independent Arctic operations,” the document reads.
The new vessel is to help strengthen the two countries’ presence in the Arctic. According to the declaration, the ship will “facilitate the roll-out and repair of subsea cables, and geopolitically strengthening our presence in the region.” Läs artikel