Overview
- Finland, NATO's newest member, is set to sign a bilateral defense cooperation agreement with the United States next week.
- The agreement allows the U.S. to send troops to Finland for defense purposes and store weapons and military equipment in the country.
- Under the deal, Finland grants U.S. soldiers access to military areas and facilities across the country, including naval bases and air bases.
- The pact, which must still be approved by Finnish lawmakers, is said to be 'very significant for Finland’s defense and security,' according to Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen.
- Several NATO countries currently have similar bilateral defense agreements with the United States.