Finland, France agree to improve security, energy, defense cooperation

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - Finland and France announced Thursday that they agreed to improve cooperation in security, energy and defense.

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said during a news conference with visiting French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna in Helsinki that the French contribution to European and Transatlantic security is recognized by Finland.

“The relations between our countries are excellent. And our cooperation continues to improve in a number of areas,” she said, adding that France is an important partner for Finland in security and defense.

She said that strengthening defense cooperation in Europe, particularly ramping up the production of the defense industry as well as dealing with climate change was discussed during the meeting.

“We appreciate the French policy on nuclear energy in terms of meeting the target of carbon neutrality,” she said.

Valtonen said the latest developments in Africa, the Southern Caucasus and the war in Ukraine were also discussed, and she reiterated Finland’s support for Ukraine.

“It is particularly important to give support to Ukraine to continue its counterattack and curb Russia’s ability to wage war,” she said.

Colonna said France and Finland want a strong and unified Europe that would protect their citizens and defend their interests and values.

As for the Russian aggression, she maintained that Europe should stay united and firm.

“We are at the side of Ukraine as long as it takes so they can defend themselves and resist,” she said.​​​​​​​