Finnish PM: “No” to Nordic defence pact
Finland’s prime minister Jyrki Katainen has come out against the idea of a Nordic defence pact.
On Sunday, Finland’s defence minister Carl Haglund took a positive stance on the possible pooling of Nordic military hardware.
However, he noted that jointly-owned weapons would require a treaty between Finland and Sweden on defence arrangements.
“Discussion of a defence pact is currently not on the agenda and I don’t know if it ever will be. Now is the time to concentrate on defence co-operation at a practical level, “the Prime Minister commented.
In Katainen’s view, co-operation in the form of joint exercises and equipment purchasing were both welcome. He reminded that Finland had wide ranging co-operation also with NATO member states.
“Defence co-operation can be done with a defence pact,” the Prime Minister remarked.
On Sunday, Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt and Defence Minister Karin Enström urged closer defense cooperation among the Nordic nations. Among the practical measures suggested would be the “pooling and sharing” of military equipment and supplies.
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