Finland negotiates NATO troop deployments

Helsinki is engaged in discussions with several NATO member states regarding the deployment of troops on Finnish soil.

Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen provided insights into these negotiations in a recent statement to Finnish media, Caliber.Az reports.

Häkkänen emphasized that details of the talks remain confidential, noting, "We do not comment publicly on these negotiations. They are ongoing with a number of different countries. We are discussing which countries can allocate specific force structures to ensure Finland's security."

Further information on these negotiations is expected to be released in February. The logistics of financing the presence of foreign troops in Finland are still under consideration. Häkkänen highlighted that the primary concern is ensuring Finland has the necessary facilities to accommodate these forces for extended periods.

In July, Finland's parliament unanimously approved a defence treaty that allows for a US military presence and the storage of defence materials within the country. The US-Finnish Defence Cooperation Agreement, signed by the government last December, grants the US access to 15 military bases for potential use and permits the movement of defence equipment, supplies, and personnel into Finland.

This agreement establishes a framework for US military activities and a more permanent presence in Finland, including the creation of exclusive military zones accessible only to US personnel. Additionally, it aims to enhance cooperation between the two nations during crisis situations.