Finland, USA discuss defence cooperation

Finland and USA on Tuesday discussed the overall security policy situation and current themes in defence cooperation between the countries.

The discussion took place between the visiting Finnish Minister of Defence Jussi Niinistö and USA Defense Secretary Jim Mattis in Washington, said an official press release.

Niinistö is currently paying a working visit to the United States and he will deputise Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini at the meeting of the Global Coalition to counter ISIL, hosted by the U.S. Department of State.

Earlier, in October 2016, Finland and the USA signed a bilateral defence cooperation deal aimed at deepening cooperation and engagement on a more regular and diverse basis.

Finland Defence Minister Jussi Niinistö and the US Deputy Secretary of Defence Robert Work signed the deal on behalf of the respective countries at the Finlandia Hall.

It is a general working document that is not legal binding on the parties and it contains no defence commitments between the two countries.

The implementation of the statement of intent is to be reviewed on a regular basis.

Cooperation will be strengthened in defence policy, exchange of information, reinforcing capabilities, preparedness and liaison, education and training, defence materials, research and development, evaluations, and international operations.