Finland, Norway agree to enhance defense cooperation

President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Wednesday held a meeting in Oslo and discussed various bilateral and international issues, said the President Office in a press release.

They discussed key security issues facing Europe and agreed to enhance defense cooperation in the Nordic regions during their meeting held at the Norwegian Prime Minister’s official residence, reported Xinhua.

The talks focused on the evolving security policy landscape, collaboration between the member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and relations with Russia.

"The meeting highlighted the shared commitment of Norway and Finland to safeguarding regional stability," said the Xinhua report, quoting a press release issued by the Norwegian government.

The discussions between the two leaders come at a critical time for Europe, with tensions running high in multiple areas.

Støre underscored the importance of deepening Nordic cooperation to bolster security in the region.

"Together with Finland, we contribute to increased security and stability in our immediate areas. The new security policy situation in Europe has strengthened cooperation between our countries."

Stubb, accompanied by First Lady Suzanne Innes-Stubb started a three-day state visit to Norway on Tuesday.

The aim of the visit is to strengthen bilateral economic relations and to promote cooperation in security and defence policy and infrastructure development.

The state visit began in Oslo on Tuesday at the Royal Palace Square, where King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway as well as Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit received the President and the First Lady.

After the official welcoming ceremony, the presidential couple laid a wreath at the National Monument at the Akershus Fortress. Later in the day, the President visited the Norwegian Parliament, the Storting, where he spoke with Masud Gharahkhani, President of the Storting, and members of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee.

On Thursday, the President couple will continue programme in Bergen together with Crown Prince Haakon.

The day will begin at the Haakonsvern Naval Base, where cooperation in defence and the defence industries is on the agenda.

After that, the President will visit the Port of Bergen, where he will be introduced to companies involved in the maritime industry and the green transition.

The last state visit to Norway by the former President, Sauli Niinistö, was in 2012. The most recent visit to Finland by the Norwegian royal couple was in 2016.