NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg says door remains open for Finland to join military alliance

During his two-day visit to Finland, rth Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated that door remains open for country to join a military alliance. Furrmore, Stoltenberg referred to Finland as a 'close partner', praising country's 'sturdy defence', citing interoperability and major exercises as examples. "Finland is one of NATO's closest allies, and we are grateful that we have been able to enhance our relationship in recent years. I anticipate that this cooperation will be one of top priorities in strategy," stated Stoltenberg reported news ncy Sputnik citing Finnish national broadcaster Yle. 

Stoltenberg also said that it is all about NATO's presence in Baltic Sea and Baltic states and role of Finland and Sweden is very important. However, he also pointed out that re is a difference between being a member and t being a member. Finland's President, Sauli Niinistö, had previously suggested that joining NATO is a possibility, and that relations between rdic country and NATO have "continued to strengn in recent years." "We have a lot of mutual understandings about how we can ensure peace, which is most essential thing in people's lives," he added as reported by Sputnik.

NATO's officials visit Finland for first time

Members of rth Atlantic Council, NATO's main political decision-making body, visited Finland for first time in an official capacity. Finland shares a border with Russia, and this visit took place at a time when NATO-Russia relations are at ir rock bottom ever since Cold War ended. It should be mentioned here that NATO dismissed eight members of Russia's mission to alliance earlier this month, labelling m 'undeclared intelligence officers'. Russia responded by anuncing closure of its NATO mission in Brussels and withdrawal of diplomatic accreditation from NATO's Moscow headquarters. 

Finnish Foreign Policy Institute remarked that defence cooperation has become a significant driver of Finnish foreign policy. body highlighted that Finland is becoming increasingly integrated into Western security system, and wiring of Finnish military n-alignment has furr intensified. Meanwhile, a recent poll conducted by market research firm Taloustutkimus revealed increased hostility against Russia. According to poll, Russia was viewed positively by almost a third of Finnish respondents, while 45% held a negative opinion of country, reported Sputnik. 

Im: Twitter/@Arctic portal/AP