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.
“A lot has happened. This is a historic day. A new era is opening. I would like to draw particular attention to how democracy has worked in Finland. I am referring to Finnish people and their opinions, political parties, the Government and Parliament. Together they have demonstrated the force of democracy”, President Niinistö said at the beginning of the press conference.
At the press conference, President Niinistö stressed Finland’s right to make its own decisions concerning national security. “The result will be a protected Finland that is part of a stable, strong and responsible Nordic region. We will both receive protection and help protect others in the Baltic region and the entire North Atlantic Treaty Organization.”
President Niinistö also pointed out that security is not a zero-sum game. “When we improve and maximise Finland’s security, it is not away from anyone else – it will improve comprehensive security.”
President Niinistö commented on cooperation between Finland and Sweden by quoting an old Swedish saying, ‘Finland’s cause is ours.’ Now Finland can equally well say that Sweden’s cause is ours, he noted.
Prime Minister Marin thanked President Niinistö on behalf of the entire Government for good and seamless cooperation. The Government will next make a decision on submitting a report to Parliament. Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto and Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen continued the press conference after President Niinistö and Prime Minister Marin.
President of the Republic and Prime Minister of Finland's joint press conference on 15 May 2022
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President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin held a joint press conference on Finland’s security policy decisions on Sunday, 15 May 2022 at the Presidential Palace. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin held a joint press conference on Finland’s security policy decisions on Sunday, 15 May 2022 at the Presidential Palace. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin held a joint press conference on Finland’s security policy decisions on Sunday, 15 May 2022 at the Presidential Palace. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin held a joint press conference on Finland’s security policy decisions on Sunday, 15 May 2022 at the Presidential Palace. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin held a joint press conference on Finland’s security policy decisions on Sunday, 15 May 2022 at the Presidential Palace. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin held a joint press conference on Finland’s security policy decisions on Sunday, 15 May 2022 at the Presidential Palace. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin held a joint press conference on Finland’s security policy decisions on Sunday, 15 May 2022 at the Presidential Palace. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin held a joint press conference on Finland’s security policy decisions on Sunday, 15 May 2022 at the Presidential Palace. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin held a joint press conference on Finland’s security policy decisions on Sunday, 15 May 2022 at the Presidential Palace. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin held a joint press conference on Finland’s security policy decisions on Sunday, 15 May 2022 at the Presidential Palace. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland