Prime Minister Marin and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre discuss security situation

In a telephone conversation on Monday 7 March 2022, Prime Minister Sanna Marin and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre discussed Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the security situation, and closer security and defence cooperation between the Nordic countries.

The prime ministers stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine in the current situation and, at the same time, strongly condemning Russia’s attack and coordinating sanctions against Russia so that they can be as effective as possible. 

Their discussion emphasised the importance of close cooperation and unity. Northern Europe forms a common security environment with a strong transatlantic link. Finland is intensifying its security and defence cooperation with Norway. Norway, Sweden and Finland also engage in trilateral cooperation. Norway currently holds the chairmanship of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO). Bilateral cooperation between Finland and Norway is also close through Finland’s partnership with NATO, which has intensified due to the situation.

Norway is a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and a member of NATO. The current situation has been the topic of much recent discussion in this context. Finland, for its part, participates in the EU’s decision-making on sanctions and EU support measures for Ukraine. Prime Minister Marin will attend the informal European Council on 10–11 March. 

The prime ministers agreed to remain in close contact.

Inquiries: Lauri Voionmaa, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister (International Affairs), tel. +358 295 160 306 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU and International Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office