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Handshake between supporters: Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of Great Britain, and Sauli Niinistö, President of Finland
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Frank Augstein / dpa
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged military aid to Finland and Sweden in the event of an attack.
During a visit to Helsinki in the evening, Johnson and Finnish President Sauli Niinistö signed a political declaration in which their two countries pledge mutual support and expand existing military cooperation.
Britain will also provide Finland with military support in the event of a disaster or attack, Johnson assured at a press conference in the Finnish presidential palace.
This is not about the short-term period in which Finland is considering NATO membership, but about a permanent commitment between two nations.
»Good friends and strong security partners«
"I've learned that friendships are always measured by how they show themselves in bad weather," said Niinistö, using a famous quote from Winston Churchill.
This describes the current situation in Europe very well.
Finland and Great Britain are "good friends and strong security partners".
Before the impression of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the prime minister had already signed such a “political declaration of solidarity” with the head of government there, Magdalena Andersson, in Sweden that afternoon.
"Cooperation becomes even more important in times of crisis," Andersson said at a joint press conference at their country estate in Harpsund, southwest of Stockholm.
Russian President Vladimir Putin thought he could cause division.
However, he achieved the exact opposite.
The British also want to offer to send more troops to the region.
"We stand firm and unequivocal in our support for Sweden and Finland," Johnson said.
The security declarations are a symbol of the eternal insurance between the nations.
Great Britain had previously assured that it would always come to the aid of the two countries, even if they did not join NATO.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine triggered an intense debate in the two Nordic countries about possible NATO membership.
Important announcements will be made in the coming days.
kfr/dpa