Finland to Sign Military , Defense Pact With US .<br />'The Independent' reports that Finland <br />will sign a bilateral defense cooperation <br />agreement with the United States. .<br />The deal to bolster Finland's defenses comes <br />after the country, which shares a border with <br />Russia, became the newest member of NATO.<br />Finland joined NATO in April, <br />ending decades of military neutrality <br />amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.<br />The agreement allows the U.S. to deploy troops <br />in Finland, in addition to storing weapons <br />and other military equipment in the country.<br />According to Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, <br />the so-called Defense Cooperation Agreement <br />is scheduled to be signed on December 18.<br />Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen said the pact, <br />which still needs approval by Finnish lawmakers, , "is very significant for <br />Finland’s defense and security.".<br />It bears a very strong message <br />in this time. The United States <br />is committed to our defense <br />also in a tough spot, Antti Häkkänen, Finland's Defense Minister, <br />via 'The Independent'.<br />'The Independent' reports that the deal will allow <br />the U.S. to access 15 military sites across Finland, <br />while also maintaining a permanent military presence.<br />'The Independent' reports that the deal will allow <br />the U.S. to access 15 military sites across Finland, <br />while also maintaining a permanent military presence.<br />According to officials, there are <br />no plans for the U.S. to establish a <br />permanent military base in Finland.<br />Just last week, Sweden signed a similar military <br />agreement, while Denmark is reportedly expected to <br />make a comparable deal sometime in the near future.<br />Just last week, Sweden signed a similar military <br />agreement, while Denmark is reportedly expected to <br />make a comparable deal sometime in the near future
