President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö made a working visit to the United States and met with President of the United States Joseph R. Biden in Washington D.C. on Friday, 4 March 2022.
The meeting of the Presidents took place at the White House on Friday afternoon. Before bilateral talks began, while the media were still present, President Biden wished President Niinistö welcome to the United States at a very critical time for the whole of Europe.
President Biden said the Presidents had already been in regular contact and had coordinated a joint transatlantic response to Russia’s unjustified attack on Ukraine. “Finland is a vital partner for the United States, also in defence cooperation.”
President Niinistö, for his part, said that their thoughts at this time were with the Ukrainians, who are bravely fighting for their country. In addition, he said that he hoped that this meeting would further strengthen the long-term partnership and good relations between both Finland and the United States and the Nordic countries.
After the meeting, President Niinistö told the Finnish media that he had shared a long, in-depth discussion with President Biden. Topics included Russia’s attack on Ukraine and the importance of security. “How the Russian attack has actually resulted in uniting Europe and also to the further tightening of the transatlantic relationship.”
The discussion also addressed the security of Finland and the Nordic countries. “It was easy to state that we have cooperated for a long time in the security and defence sector, and this will now be developed further.” President Niinistö stated, without specifying future proposals or initiatives, that the intention is to begin a clear process of deepening defence and security cooperation.
According to the President, it also became clear during the day’s discussions that the United States still considers NATO’s “open doors” policy to be important. “Overall, we had a very good understanding and also a common view on the overall situation at this time.”
In addition to the meeting with President Biden, President Niinistö’s programme included talks with the Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Tom Cotton and CIA Director William Burns. The tight travel schedule for the visit covered approximately one day.
Thank you, @POTUS @JoeBiden, for the long and candid discussion in the Oval Office. I look forward to taking new steps in strengthening the Finnish-American relationship. pic.twitter.com/LZsl7GIp7Z
— Sauli Niinistö (@niinisto) March 4, 2022
The feeling is mutual, Mr. President. https://t.co/XwHzwln6WX
— Sauli Niinistö (@niinisto) March 4, 2022
An insightful breakfast meeting with @CIA Director William Burns, who has a remarkable experience in diplomacy and negotiations with Russia. pic.twitter.com/VgRvW8nBaj
— Sauli Niinistö (@niinisto) March 4, 2022
Upon arrival in Washington last night, I had a very good conversation with @LeaderMcConnell and @SenTomCotton. A thorough common understanding with leading Senate Republicans on the importance of the Finnish-US connection.
— Sauli Niinistö (@niinisto) March 4, 2022
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President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö met President of the United States Joseph R. Biden in Washington D.C. on Friday, 4 March 2022. Photo: Elina Karjalainen/Embassy of Finland, Washington D.C.
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President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö met President of the United States Joseph R. Biden in Washington D.C. on Friday, 4 March 2022. Photo: Elina Karjalainen/Embassy of Finland, Washington D.C.
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President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö met President of the United States Joseph R. Biden in Washington D.C. on Friday, 4 March 2022. Photo: Elina Karjalainen/Embassy of Finland, Washington D.C.
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President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö met President of the United States Joseph R. Biden in Washington D.C. on Friday, 4 March 2022. Photo: Elina Karjalainen/Embassy of Finland, Washington D.C.
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President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö met President of the United States Joseph R. Biden in Washington D.C. on Friday, 4 March 2022. Photo: Pasi Rajala/Embassy of Finland, Washington D.C.