US set to sign defense agreement with Finland on December 18
(Baonghean.vn) - The Finnish press agency reported that the Finnish Government authorized Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen to sign the Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) with the US on December 18. Accordingly, the US military can deploy equipment, aircraft and other facilities in Finland.
RT on December 15 quoted Finnish press agencies as saying that the Finnish Government has authorized Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen or Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen to sign a defense agreement with the United States on December 18 in Washington.
The decision was made at a plenary meeting of the Finnish cabinet held on December 14.
“The Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) that we are about to sign will further strengthen the bilateral alliance between Finland and the United States. It will enhance the country's security and defense capabilities and allow cooperation in all security situations,” said Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, adding that the agreement is also important in the region and will help Finland contribute to NATO's common defense efforts.
The Finnish government website notes that the DCA will strengthen the country's defense capabilities by ensuring the presence and training of US troops. The agreement allows for the initial deployment of defense equipment, supplies and facilities on Finnish territory, as well as the entry and movement of US aircraft, ships and transport.
As part of the defense agreement, the Finnish government will provide the US military with access to 15 bases on its territory, the Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat clarified.
At the same time, some experts in Finland warned that with this move, Helsinki is "giving up part of its sovereignty" without opening any public discussion on the issue.
