UK strikes new security agreement with Sweden and Finland

Send a link to a friend  Share

[May 11, 2022]  LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday said he had agreed new deals with Sweden and Finland to bolster European security, pledging to support both countries' armed forces should they come under attack. 

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Sweden's Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson meet at the Swedish Prime Minister's summer residence in Harpsund, Sweden May 11, 2022. Christine Olsson/TT News Agency/via REUTERS

Johnson is due to sign the new declarations, described by Britain as "a step-change in defence and security cooperation", during visits to both Sweden and Finland on Wednesday.

"We are steadfast and unequivocal in our support to both Sweden and Finland and the signing of these security declarations is a symbol of the everlasting assurance between our nations," Johnson said in a statement.

The government statement added: "The Prime Minister will set out the UK's intention to support the two nations' armed forces should either face crisis or come under attack."

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has forced a rethink of how Sweden - and neighbour Finland - safeguard national security.

Both are expected to join NATO, but both are worried they would be vulnerable while their applications are processed, which could take up to a year.

Sweden has also received assurances of support from the U.S. and Germany.

The British statement said the new arrangements would intensify intelligence sharing, and accelerate joint military training, exercises and deployments.

(Reporting by William James and Simon Johnson, Editing by Kylie MacLellan)

[© 2022 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.]
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.  Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.

 

 

Back to top