The Swedish and Finnish governments held a joint government meeting in Stockholm on Monday. The last time it happened was in 2009 in Finland.
This meeting is historic. I think we should meet like this every four years, not every fifteen, says Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.
The purpose of the governments' meeting is to develop the bonds between the countries and strengthen cooperation. At the meeting, a joint declaration was adopted. It highlights six areas where cooperation will be deepened.
Better Transport
One area concerns improving the east-west land connections and securing transport, both military and civilian.
Particular focus will be on connections from Narvik in Norway and routes between Finland and Sweden.
Considering the global situation, west-east transport is very important. Both in terms of supply security, military mobilization, and for business, says Orpo.
If we can develop it with Norway as well, it will be of great benefit to all of us.
Ulf Kristersson says that the government is preparing roads and railways for military transport as more money is invested in infrastructure in the coming years.
More focus on bridge load capacity and such things that are important, which railway connections can transport what kind of equipment. It's a new paradigm.
Petteri Orpo particularly emphasizes the importance of transport functioning during winter conditions and mentions that they discussed a lot about icebreakers at the meeting.
We see positively on future cooperation, says Kristersson.
"Very Interested"
Another point is that efficient air connections between cities in Finland, Sweden, and Norway will be facilitated.
Another example of increased cooperation is that the countries will increase the exchange of population registration data, which will facilitate for people living and working across the border in border areas.
Sweden has also been asked by Finland, in connection with the governments' meeting, to take responsibility for building a NATO headquarters in northern Finland.
We are very interested in it. It didn't require much consideration to respond to that, says Kristersson.
