UK strikes new security agreement with Sweden and Finland

UK strikes new security agreement with Sweden and Finland
May 12, 2022, 7:00 am

Sharing more intelligence, bolstering military exercises and jointly developing technology, I am very pleased to sign a mutual security assurance declaration with @SwedishPM Magdalena Andersson. (UK PM Twitter account)

The Euronews reported, citing Reuters, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday (May 11) said he had agreed new deals with Sweden and Finland to bolster European security, pledging to support both countries’ armed forces should they come under attack.

Johnson signed the new declarations, described by Britain as “a step-change in defence and security cooperation”, during visits to both Sweden and Finland on Wednesday.

Johnson said at a news conference in Helsinki: “What it says is that in the event of a disaster, or in the event of an attack on either of us, then we will come to each other’s assistance, including with military assistance."

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has forced a rethink of how Sweden – and neighbour Finland – safeguard national security.

Russia hits non-military targets in Ukraine including schools, hospitals, residential properties and transport hubs (Photo: Euromaidan Press)

Both are expected to join NATO, but both are worried they would be vulnerable while their applications are processed, which could take up to a year.

Asked if Finland would be provoking Russia by joining NATO, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said Russian President Vladimir Putin would be to blame for any decision to join the military alliance.

Boris Johnson visits Sweden and Finland over Ukraine war

Niinisto said: “My response would be that you caused this. Look at the mirror."

Sweden has also received assurances of support from the United States and Germany.

Speaking earlier alongside the Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, Johnson said: “The war in Ukraine is forcing us all to make difficult decisions. But sovereign nations must be free to make those decisions without fear or influence or threat of retaliation.”

Britain said the new arrangements would intensify intelligence sharing and accelerate joint military training, exercises and deployments.

UK would support Sweden if it is attacked, N. Ireland agreement is the most important treaty

Johnson said the nature of any assistance will “depend on the request of the other party”. But he said NATO was a defensive alliance.

He said at the news conference in Helsinki: “NATO poses no threat to anyone. It is there for the purposes of mutual defence."

Source: euronews

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