Finland, USA to deepen homeland security cooperation

The Ministry of the Interior and the United States Department of Homeland Security on Monday signed a joint statement of intent on deepening scientific and technological cooperation in the field of homeland security, said the Ministry of the Interior in a press release.

According to the joint statement, the participants will seek to advance common approaches to the promotion and development of scientific and technological cooperation relating to homeland security matters.

The aim is to increase exchange of information, cooperative research, development and testing, and evaluation activities in various areas related to homeland security.

“Our security environment has become more and more unstable. For example, hybrid influence activities and threats to critical infrastructure pose a challenge for our security authorities. The pace of technological change is accelerating and technology is increasingly linked to geopolitics, the economy and security. At the same time, technology presents both opportunities and risks for homeland security. This joint statement of intent provides a good start for fruitful scientific and technological cooperation relating to homeland security matters,” said Permanent Secretary Kirsi Pimiä of the Ministry of the Interior.

Cooperation between Finland and the United States has strengthened in a variety of areas in recent years. Finland's NATO membership presents new opportunities for bilateral cooperation between Finland and the United States, not only in the defence sector directly but also extensively in research, innovation and technology.

Forging new ties in science and technology in the field of homeland security is one step towards deeper cooperation.

Finland's cooperation with the United States will begin with a series of workshops focusing on various topics during the spring. The workshops will explore future technologies and identify opportunities for research cooperation.