Intergovernmental cooperation between Finland and Sweden aims to build a resilient and forward-looking Nordic region
Finland and Sweden have agreed to further enhance their cooperation in a number of areas, including foreign and security policy, security of supply and transport and logistics. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson adopted a joint declaration on the matter on Monday 1 December at Kesäranta in Helsinki.
“Relations between Finland and Sweden have always been strong. In recent years, our partnership has grown even stronger and more strategic. Prime Minister Kristersson and I have the opportunity to meet regularly, and we are in contact with each other almost every day,” said Prime Minister Orpo.
The Finnish and Swedish governments held a joint meeting in Stockholm in September 2024. At that time, the aim was to further enhance and deepen cooperation between the two countries. The prime ministers’ bilateral meeting at Kesäranta was a continuation of this cooperation and served as a follow-up to last year’s meeting.
In their joint declaration, the Prime Ministers of Finland and Sweden reaffirmed their commitment to closer practical cooperation in several sectors: defence and security, cyber security and digital infrastructure, security of supply, icebreakers, police work and influencing EU policy.
Discussions at the meeting also addressed topical EU issues, support for Ukraine and transatlantic relations.
“Finland and Sweden, together with the other Nordic countries, provide substantial support to Ukraine,” said Prime Minister Orpo. “We are committed to supporting Ukraine over the long-term, both in reconstruction and on its European path.”
The Swedish Prime Minister’s programme in Finland will continue on Tuesday 2 December with a visit to Espoo. There, Prime Ministers Orpo and Kristersson will attend an event organised by the Swedish-Finnish Cultural Centre Hanaholmen, where they will inaugurate works of art donated by Sweden and Finland in honour of the centre’s 50th anniversary.
Inquiries: Marja Koskela, Diplomatic Adviser to the Prime Minister, tel. +358 295 160 978 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communication for EU and International Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office