PM discusses Finland´s NATO bid possibility with Norden colleagues

Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Wednesday held bilateral meetings with her Danish and Norwegian counterparts Mette Frederiksen and Jonas Gahr Støre in Copenhagen and discussed Finland’s options for strengthening its security, including the possibility of applying for NATO membership, said a government press release.

Their discussions focused on Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and the security situation in Europe, which has changed as a result of the war.

The Premier told her colleagues of the Nordic countries about the current security policy discussion in Finland.

Marin also held a bilateral discussion with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in connection with the meeting of the prime ministers of the Nordic countries and India.

They discussed the development of trade, investments, innovations and tourism between the countries during the bilateral meeting.

Marin and Modi last met remotely in March 2021, when Finland and India agreed on a partnership for sustainability and digitalisation and on cooperation in science and education.

The prime ministers of the Nordic countries and India met in Copenhagen on Wednesday and discussed the changed security situation in Europe and India-Nordic cooperation.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of multilateralism and respect for human rights and gender equality.

The Nordic prime ministers reiterated their full support for and solidarity with Ukraine and strongly condemned Russia’s war of aggression.

Discussions on the development of India-Nordic cooperation began with the prime ministers’ introductions on different topics.

Marin opened the discussion on digitalisation. She described how digitalisation could serve as the global engine for sustainable economic growth.

She also highlighted its role as a key factor in combating climate change and enabling effective social participation.

Nordic expertise in 5G, 6G, artificial intelligence and quantum technology featured prominently in Marin’s introduction and the subsequent discussion.

The discussion emphasised the role of Nordic businesses as providers of reliable and secure technological solutions, which has also become an increasingly important perspective in India in recent years.

Other topics of discussion included the climate and sustainable development, innovations, and international cooperation after the COVID-19 pandemic.