Finland, UK sign deal on defence cooperation

President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson on Wednesday in Helsinki signed a defence cooperation deal to assist each other during crisis period in various ways including military assistance.

“We confirmed that, should either country suffer a disaster or an attack, the United Kingdom and Finland will, upon request from the affected country, assist each other in a variety of ways, which may include military means,” said the agreement signed at the Presidential Palace on the eve of the joint press conference after a meeting between Niinistö and Johnson in the evening.

The cooperation will remain fully in line with each country's security and defence policy and is designed to complement not replace existing European and Euro-Atlantic cooperation.

According to the agreement, the two countries will also intensify and deepen their cooperation in countering hybrid threats and influence activities.

“Information sharing, including intelligence cooperation, has an important role to play in countering hybrid threats and protecting critical infrastructure. Both countries will work together on shared situation awareness, enhancing data protection and countering cyber threats,” it stated.

As per the deal, both the countries are committed to defending the principles of the European security order.

“In light of the deterioration of the security situation in Europe, we wish to further intensify our security and defence cooperation and strengthen our mutual solidarity. We will build on our current, established cooperation and work together to further develop our capabilities,” said the agreement.

Finland and UK condemned the ongoing Russian invasion in Ukraine and call on the Russian Federation to immediately cease hostilities, withdraw its troops from Ukraine and seriously engage in peace negotiations.

“We have been increasing support for Ukraine, including deliveries of lethal material, and are committed to helping the Ukrainians in rebuilding their country when Russia´s military offensive ends,” the agreement added.

Finland welcomes the United Kingdom´s strong commitment to the security of the Baltic Sea region, including British troops in Estonia as a part of NATO´s presence and the United Kingdom led Joint Expeditionary Force, of which Finland is a committed member.

The United Kingdom is unwavering in its commitment to NATO´s 'open door' policy.

The United Kingdom welcomes Finland's role in providing security in the Baltic Sea region, in Northern Europe and beyond.

The United Kingdom firmly believes that, should Finland decide to apply for NATO membership, it would contribute to the security of the whole North Atlantic area.

“Finland and the United Kingdom share common security interests and the United Kingdom stands ready to assist Finland in its endeavours by all means necessary,” the agreement added.

The deal, however, pointed out that it is a political declaration and not a legally binding commitment under international law.

Speaking at the press conference Niinistö replying to a query said that this was "not the first time we are discussing NATO".

He also said that at the end of last year they [Russia] stated that Finland and Sweden can’t join NATO and demanded that NATO doesn’t take new members.

The president said this changed the picture as Russia was stating that Finland and Sweden did not have their "own will", and the Russian invasion on 24 February also changed the picture.

He underlined that the goal of joining NATO is to improve Finland's security, not to antagonize other countries.

Johnson told the press conference that it's "so important we are together, strong now" to deter further Russian aggression.

He said that if Russian President Vladimir Putin is not resisted, the invasion of Ukraine would not be the end of his "neo-imperialist, revanchist ambitions".

Johnson arrived Finland on Wednesday on an official visit.