Transport to Finland must be improved

Sweden and Finland are to deepen cooperation in several areas.

One goal is for transport between the countries to be improved

The Swedish and Finnish governments had a joint meeting in Stockholm today. The last time it happened was in 2009 in Finland.

– This meeting is historic, says Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

– I think we should meet like this every four years, not every 15.

The purpose of the governments’ meeting is to develop ties between the countries and strengthen collaborations. A joint declaration was adopted at the meeting. In it, six areas are singled out where the cooperation is deepened.

Better transport

One area is about improving east-west land connections and securing transport from both a military and civilian perspective.

Particular focus will be on the connections from Narvik in Norway and the connections between Finland and Sweden.

– Transport has become even more important now since Russia attacked Ukraine, says Orpo.

He particularly points to the importance of transport working in winter conditions and mentions that at the meeting there was a lot of talk about icebreakers.

– We see common needs here, says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M).

– We look positively on a future collaboration.

“Very interested”

Another point is that efficient air connections between cities in Finland, Sweden and Norway must be facilitated.

Another example of increased cooperation is for the countries to increase the exchange of population registration data, which makes it easier for people who live and work across the border in border areas.

In connection with the meeting of the governments, Sweden has also been asked by Finland to be responsible for the construction of a NATO headquarters in northern Finland.

– We are very interested in that. It didn’t take much thought to answer that, says Kristersson.