By Janet Ekstract
ISTANBUL- On Thursday, U.S. President Joe Biden and Nordic leaders met Finnish President Sauli Ninisto in Helsinki for the U.S.-Nordic Summit that Ninisto is hosting. In comments to Ninisto at the summit, Biden said Finland is a “great partner” and an “incredible asset to NATO and the world.” The summit, taking place right after the Vilnius NATO Summit, saw leaders from Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Norway and Denmark in bilateral meetings on Thursday morning. Biden reaffirmed U.S. ties to Finland when he commented: “Finland and the United States are stronger together, and I really mean that. We have the same value set.” This summit was an opportunity for Nordic leaders to discuss increasing security cooperation amid threats from Russia and China.
Leaders reiterated solidarity on democratic values, respect for human rights, gender equality, the protection and equal treatment of all people, rule of law and economic freedom for the basis of U.S.-Nordic cooperation. The leaders affirmed that such values are essential to a society’s resilience and that boosting cooperation between the U.S. and Nordic countries will strengthen security within the EU. A major point highlighted was people-to-people connections between the Nordic countries at all levels as a crucial part of U.S.-Nordic relations. The U.S.-Nordic Summit is the third summit of its kind and builds on previous meetings with the focus primarily on increasing cooperation between the countries, security, environment, technology and society. With regard to security, leaders were united in their unwavering support for Ukraine and pledged to continue their support for the beleaguered country for as long as necessary. Support is to include humanitarian assistance, security, economic and legal help as well. Nordic leaders and President Biden also committed to keep up diplomatic efforts to ensure the most comprehensive international support for a ‘just and lasting peace’ in Ukraine as they reiterated that it’s founded on principles of the U.N. Charter.
Biden and Nordic leaders said this would mean increased dialogue and engagement with global partners on challenges all countries face, due to Russia’s war on Ukraine. Leaders reiterated the significance of the NATO alliance for regional and transatlantic security and stability as well as lauding the statement by Sweden, Turkiye and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on July 10, which led to Turkish President Erdogan giving his approval for Sweden’s NATO bid. Thel leaders also expressed how Finland and Sweden as NATO members will strengthen the capability of the Nordic region to make greater contributions on the security front with all NATO allies. Nordic leaders also lauded the continuing commitment from the U.S. to transatlantic, European and Northern European security while pledging to deepen security and defense cooperation with the U.S. through the Nordic Defense Cooperation framework.
