Prime Minister Sanna Marin did not want to say on Saturday whether Finland and Sweden were seeking special non-Nato partner status with the United States.
Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) and her Swedish counterpart, Magdalena Andersson, on Saturday said their countries were deepening cooperation in the wake of Russia’s assault on Ukraine.
Speaking to the press in Helsinki, the premiers said public opinion on Nato membership was shifting in both countries. The PMs did not comment on any new concrete forms of cooperation.
Marin did not provide a direct answer when probed by reporters whether Finland and Sweden were seeking to gain Major Non-Nato Ally (MNNA) status. MNNA is a designation under US law providing partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation. The US has MNNA agreements with 17 states.
When asked if Sweden was going to stage a referendum on Nato, Andersson said, “referendums weren’t necessarily the best way to solve all issues.”
Marin did not want to elaborate on questions about how much help Finland could expect if attacked.
“We’d probably receive lots of different types of help: material aid, financial aid. But would we receive military assistance—would someone send us soldiers if that’s what we needed? The situation isn’t like that. We’re not facing any immediate threat, so this is purely speculation,” she said.
Sweden’s Prime Minister, Magdalena Andersson, and her Minister for Defence, Peter Hultqvist, were in Helsinki on Saturday meeting with Finland’s leadership. Discussions centred on Russia’s attack on Ukraine, its impact on Europe’s security situation, and continued cooperation between Finland and Sweden.
Good discussions with President Niinistö, PM Marin and Ministers Kaikkonen & Hultqvist on security situation, EU matters & enhanced cooperation. Close & strong 🇸🇪🇫🇮 partnership. @Niinisto @MarinSanna @anttikaikkonen— SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) 5. maaliskuuta 2022
The Swedish premier received a call from Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and US president Joe Biden on Friday during the presidents’ meeting at the White House. The three discussed enhancing cooperation.
Biden on Friday said Finland was a vital partner for the United States and also a strong defensive partner for Nato.
Appreciated conversation w President Biden & President Niinistö on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and European security. We will further strengthen 🇸🇪🇫🇮🇺🇸 cooperation. @POTUS @niinisto— SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) 5. maaliskuuta 2022
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