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Prime Minister Marin and Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson highlight importance of cooperation between Finland and Sweden

Government Communications Department
Publication date 28.10.2022 16.19 | Published in English on 28.10.2022 at 16.30
Press release
Prime Ministers Kristersson and Marin standing side by side

Prime Minister Sanna Marin and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson met in Helsinki on Friday 28 October. In their meeting, the prime ministers discussed bilateral relations between Finland and Sweden, the countries’ future NATO membership, support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s invasion, and other topical EU matters.

The prime ministers’ discussions emphasised the close relationship between their countries. This relationship plays a particularly important role in the current crises. Concrete areas where cooperation should be strengthened include developing security of supply and countering hybrid threats.

The prime ministers reiterated that it is in the interests of Finland and Sweden, and of NATO too, that both countries’ membership processes proceed at the same pace.

“Finland and Sweden are closer today than ever before in practically all areas. Our common path to NATO is a historic example of our close relations,” Prime Minister Marin said. 

In their discussions, the prime ministers stressed the importance of the international community’s continued strong support for Ukraine. Ukraine is defending itself against Russia’s war of aggression in line with the principles of the UN Charter. Russia’s disinformation and attempts to further escalate the war are irresponsible and very worrying. 

The prime ministers exchanged views on major power relations and China’s role as a follow-up to the discussions held at the European Council last week. They also highlighted the importance of new technologies and the strengths of the Finnish and Swedish business sectors in the field of network technologies. In addition, the prime ministers discussed Sweden’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union. 

This was Prime Minister Kristersson’s first bilateral visit abroad as Prime Minister. Prime Minister Marin’s first visit abroad was also to Sweden. While in Helsinki, Prime Minister Kristersson also met with President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö.  

Inquiries: Lauri Voionmaa, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister, tel. +358 50 421 0422 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office