Ambassador rules out appearance of US military bases in Finland

United States Ambassador to Finland Douglas Hickey has said that there is reason for the appearance of permanent American military bases in this North European country.

Hickey made the remarks in an interview with Finnish media, according to Caliber.Az.

“I don't see [conditions] for permanent American military bases to appear in Finland, but there will be joint exercises. Our soldiers will learn from you: warfare in the North is very different from warfare in the desert. And your soldiers will learn from us. So I think it is very important. It will strengthen everyone's defence," the ambassador said.

Hickey is leaving his post in Finland early this week as he will become a campaign adviser to Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, the candidate for the top US government post. He was sworn in as US ambassador to Finland on April 6, 2022.

In July 2024, Finland's parliament unanimously approved a defence treaty that allows a US military presence and storage of defence materials in the Scandinavian country.

The US-Finland Defense Cooperation Agreement, signed by the government last December, gives Washington access to the country's 15 military bases for potential use by US forces, and will also allow the US to bring defence equipment, supplies and soldiers to Finland.

The agreement, which creates a framework for US operations and a more permanent presence in the Scandinavian country, provides for the establishment of certain military zones that include facilities to which only US personnel will have access.

By Khagan Isayev