Marin, Andersson focus climate, migrant, defence in Helsinki

The Prime Minister of Sweden, Magdalena Andersson visited Finland on Wednesday and held meeting with her Finnish counterpart Sanna Marin and President Sauli Niinistö.

Marin and Andersson at their meeting discussed bilateral relations between the neighbouring countries and topical EU issues, said a government press release.

The EU’s actions to halt climate change, for instance, are very important for both Finland and Sweden. The Prime Ministers also discussed their countries’ common objectives in developing the Union’s forest policy and security and defence policy.

In addition, the Prime Ministers discussed migration and the COVID-19 pandemic in the Union.

Speaking at a joint press conference after the meeting Marin said that the two countries would continue to work together to enhance the understanding of sustainable forest management in northern Europe, reported Xinhua.

Andersson said that both Finland and Sweden strive to lead the green transition not only to reduce emissions but also to strengthen competitiveness and create new jobs.

The two countries hold the largest forested areas in the EU, and forest industries are a key financial asset for them.

Marin and Andersson also discussed their countries' common objectives in the field of security and defense policy.

Responding to questions, the prime ministers said they had no plans to apply for membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

This is the first visit of Andersson abroad since she took over as the Prime Minister of Sweden.

According to tradition, Finnish and Swedish prime ministers meet shortly after taking office.

Marin also made her first visit to Sweden.