Finland and USA to enhance cooperation in combating terrorism

The Finnish and U.S. ministries responsible for internal security have signed a joint statement to counter shared security threats. The aim is to continue and further develop good cooperation, among other things, in countering terrorism and violent extremism and to ensure that the ministries have concrete tools available for this purpose.

The joint statement was signed today by Permanent Secretary Päivi Nerg from the Ministry of the Interior and Assistant Secretary Alan Bersin from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The goals of the joint statement include sharing best practices on countering violent extremism and developing metrics to assess the effectiveness of the action taken. Exchange of information regarding known and suspected terrorists will be enhanced and this information will be used to screen travellers transiting the external borders managed by Finland and the USA. The aim is also to develop closer cooperation in the processing of passenger information. Other focus areas of the joint statement include biometric identifiers and countering cybercrime.

The joint statement is a cooperative arrangement between Finland and the USA and it is not legally binding. After the joint statement has been signed, an implementation plan for the measures will be drawn up and the progress made in cooperation will be monitored at meetings between the ministers or their representatives. The joint statement will be renewed every second year.

Joint statement between Finland and the U.S. to counter shared security threats:
http://www.intermin.fi/download/69805_Suomi_USA_joint_statement_14092016.pdf?df50ec24a4dcd388

Inquiries:
Laura Yli-Vakkuri, Director General, 0295 488 250
Jenna Kuitunen, Coordinator, International Affairs, 0295 488 276