Defense ministries of Finland, Sweden and the US, are deepening their defense cooperation.
These bilateral defense relationships are promoting security in the Baltic Sea region by strengthening stability in northern Europe and building interoperability between the US and “two of its most capable and likeminded partners,” says the Statement of Intent (SOI) signed by the Finnish defense minister, Jussi Niinistö, and his Swedish and US counterparts, Peter Hultqvist and James Mattis.
According to the statement, “Our countries have a shared interest in cooperating to support a stable and secure environment in the Baltic Sea region, in safeguarding the fundamental principles of international law, and in preserving the European security order.”
Means include:
Regular meetings at all levels
Exchanges of information at all levels
Increasing practical cooperation between the respective armed forces
Coordinated participation in training and exercises
Shaping exercise design to reflect trilateral cooperation priorities
Development of cooperation in multinational operations
Coordination of strategic communication concerning incidents and activities
The enhancement of the EU-NATO strategic partnership
The SOI brings together previously agreed thematic entities. Through cooperation it is possible, for instance, to make sure that overlapping activities or competitive situations are avoided in international exercises and training.
