Finland, Sweden boost bilateral ties

The governments of Finland and Sweden on Monday met in Stockholm to accelerate and deepen cooperation between the two countries, said a government press release.

The joint meeting of governments discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in areas that are essential for the future of their societies.

The issues raised by the ministers included crime prevention, readiness and preparedness, education, innovation and the mental and physical wellbeing of young people.

Following the discussions, the governments adopted a declaration aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries at the Nordic level, in the EU and in NATO.

“We are neighbours and friends. And we need cooperation, now more than ever. Today (Monday), we adopted a declaration that will deepen our relationship both internationally and bilaterally. The declaration addresses a wealth of matters, including our support for Ukraine, infrastructure, energy, and Nordic joint action,” said Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

Continued strong support for Ukraine also came up when Prime Minister Orpo and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson took part in the demonstration of solidarity with the people of Ukraine, which is held every Monday in Stockholm.

At the event, Prime Minister Orpo said that all of Finnish society stands by Ukraine.

The prime ministers also attended a business seminar, while the other ministers had a programme of visits with their counterparts.

During the joint meeting of the governments, Finland and Sweden signed two letters of intent.

Finland's Minister of Transport, Communications and the Interior Lulu Ranne and Sweden's Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin signed a letter of intent concerning the joint planning of the protection of the civilian population.

Minister of Economic Affairs Wille Rydman and Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin signed a letter of intent on the joint planning of security of supply.

The Finnish and Swedish governments last held a joint meeting in Hämeenlinna (Tavastehus) in 2009 during Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen's term in office.