Summary:
Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini met with his Swedish colleague Margot Wallström in Stockholm on Wednesday. According to Minister Soini, they discussed the problematic world from various viewpoints for three hours.

The agenda included, among other things, the diplomatic relations between the two countries, arctic region issues, EU budget, Brexit, Syrian war, North Korea, and once again Baltic Sea security and increasing collaboration in foreign and security policy played a major role in the talks.

Defence collaboration with Sweden has quickly increased since the Ukraine crisis started in 2014.

Minister Soini also brought up Sweden’s study on legislative changes regarding receiving and giving military assistance from/to Finland, which will be handled by the country’s Parliament next autumn. Minister Soini found it very important and positive. He believes that Sweden will eventually implement the changes.

Minister Soini evaluated that Sweden and Finland are best friends at the moment. The foreign ministers have been communicating actively and they talk on the phone at least once a month.

Media:  Demokraatti, Helsingin Sanomat, Helsingin Sanomat (E-edition, PDF)
Date: 3.5.2018
Journalist: Petja Pelli / HS
Main source: Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini