Nordic countries vow to deepen security, defense cooperation

By Leila Nezirevic

LONDON (AA) - Five Nordic countries on Monday announced to deepen their security and defense cooperation in the wake of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

The prime ministers of Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Iceland met in Oslo, the capital of Norway, and issued a joint statement.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said: “We are facing the consequences of the brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“We have reiterated our support for Ukraine and Ukraine’s right to defend itself and to fight for its sovereignty.”

He also added that the countries are committed to supporting “that fight and to live up to the expectation.”

The joint statement said that Finland and Sweden’s proposed NATO membership would strengthen the alliance and that the cooperation in the field of security and defense between the countries in the region would help the strengthening and development of NATO.

It was also mentioned that the countries are planning to act in harmony with NATO and that joint exercises and close cooperation with NATO allies are of “great importance.”

The statement said that the Scandinavian countries have modern and capable armed forces and that “with joint exercises and integrated planning, the effectiveness of our defense will improve.”

It said that the Nordic countries will be part of the new security order and that all five prime ministers have agreed to mandate ministers of foreign affairs, ministers of defense and chiefs of defense to maximize the cooperation among the countries.

“We have taken the opportunity discussing challenges arising from China in today’s world,” the Norwegian prime minister said.