US. Department of Homeland Security and Finnish Ministry of the Interior enhance internal security cooperation

On January 31, 2023, Deputy Secretary for Homeland Security John K. Tien and Krista Mikkonen, Minister of Interior of Finland, and their respective delegations met in Washington, D.C.

The principals reaffirmed the strong partnership between the Department of Homeland Security and the Ministry of Interior, and committed to continued cooperation to counter shared security threats, including those emanating from Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine.

In the changed security situation and operating environment, the Ministry of the Interior and the Department of Homeland Security will continue their cooperation to provide stability and security to citizens in both Finland and the United States of America. Deputy Secretary Tien and Minister Mikkonen affirmed that ensuring internal security, including by maintaining robust resilience in our societies, is of the utmost importance. 

The Deputy Secretary and the Minister discussed a range of current and emerging issues such as cyber-attacks, including those targeting critical infrastructure, malign foreign interference, and the propagation of disinformation, as well as the threat posed to both countries by domestic violent extremism and other forms of terrorism.

Recalling the Joint Statement between the Department of Homeland Security and the Ministry of the Interior signed on September 14, 2016, both sides committed to continue to share experiences and best practices and to pursue opportunities for enhanced cooperation in the Arctic region.

A new framework regarding science and technology cooperation in homeland and civil security matters between the Department of Homeland Security and the Ministry of the Interior is being discussed.

Inquiries:

Jukka Vornanen, Special Adviser to Minister Mikkonen, tel. +358 40 593 67 91, firstname.lastname@gov.fi (requests for interviews with Minister Mikkonen)