President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö met Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday, 11 May 2022.
In their meeting, President Niinistö and Prime Minister Johnson discussed Ukraine, the security situation in Europe and deepening the defence and security cooperation between Finland and the UK. The President and the Prime Minister reiterated their strong support for Ukraine.
President Niinistö informed Johnson about the ongoing security policy process in Finland and the decision-making concerning potential NATO membership. Prime Minister Johnson assured that the UK is strongly committed to NATO’s ‘open door’ policy. According to Prime Minister Johnson, the UK will support Finland by all means necessary.
At the press conference, President Niinistö noted that Finland and the UK are strong security partners and close friends: “One always measures friendships by how they show up in bad weather”.
The UK support for Finland was confirmed by a joint statement which President Niinistö and Prime Minister Johnson signed to conclude their meeting. The statement reiterated the shared desire of Finland and UK to deepen defence and security cooperation. The countries confirmed that, should either country suffer a disaster or an attack, they would stand ready to support each other.
Prime Minister Johnson arrived at Finland from Sweden, where he signed a similar statement between the UK and Sweden.
President Niinistö and Prime Minister Johnson last met in connection with the JEF Leaders’ Summit in London in March 2022.
- 11.5.2022 United Kingdom – Finland statement
Joint press conference of President Niinistö and Prime Minister Johnson
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President Niinistö welcomed British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on a visit to Finland on 11 May 2022. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Niinistö welcomed British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on a visit to Finland on 11 May 2022. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Niinistö welcomed British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on a visit to Finland on 11 May 2022. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Discussions between the country delegations. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Niinistö and Prime Minister Johnson signed the United Kingdom – Finland statement. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Photo: Matti Porre/The Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Joint press conference at the Presidential Palace on 11 May 2022. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Joint press conference at the Presidential Palace on 11 May 2022. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Joint press conference at the Presidential Palace on 11 May 2022. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Niinistö and Prime Minister Johnson in discussions at the Presidential Palace on 11 May 2022. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland