AssetID: 53306449
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Finland to Sign Military Defense Pact With US
Caption: Finland to Sign Military Defense Pact With US. 'The Independent' reports that Finland will sign a bilateral defense cooperation agreement with the United States. The deal to bolster Finland's defenses comes after the country, which shares a border with Russia, became the newest member of NATO. Finland joined NATO in April, ending decades of military neutrality amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The agreement allows the U.S. to deploy troops in Finland, in addition to storing weapons and other military equipment in the country. According to Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, the so-called Defense Cooperation Agreement is scheduled to be signed on December 18. Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen said the pact, which still needs approval by Finnish lawmakers, , "is very significant for Finland's defense and security." "It bears a very strong message in this time. The United States is committed to our defense also in a tough spot.", Antti Häkkänen, Finland's Defense Minister, via 'The Independent'. 'The Independent' reports that the deal will allow the U.S. to access 15 military sites across Finland, while also maintaining a permanent military presence. According to officials, there are no plans for the U.S. to establish a permanent military base in Finland. Just last week, Sweden signed a similar military agreement, while Denmark is reportedly expected to make a comparable deal sometime in the near future. THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Finland,sign,military,defense,pact,US,United States,America,war,cooperation,Russia,border,Sweden,Denmark,deal,future,safety,protection
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