President Niinistö on state visit to Sweden: “In addition to democracy and well-being, security is increasingly becoming one of the basic pillars of our joint Nordic model”

President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö made a state visit to Sweden with his spouse Mrs Jenni Haukio on 17–18 May 2022. The visit focused on the current security policy situation and the NATO decisions of Finland and Sweden. Defence cooperation and the green transition were also on the agenda. During the visit, President Niinistö decided by remote connection on the proposal of the Government, that Finland will declare its interest in becoming a member of NATO.

President Niinistö after the NATO decision: A new era is opening – the result will be a protected Finland that is part of a stable, strong and responsible Nordic region

On Sunday, 15 May 2022, the President of the Republic of Finland and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy decided that after consulting Parliament, Finland will apply for membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). After the meeting of the President and Ministerial Committee, President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin held a joint press conference at the Presidential Palace.