Brussels, 18 October 2023 (TDI): European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed her full support for Finland’s decision to close part of its eastern border with Russia for the next three months.
The decision was made during a phone call conversation with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on November 17, 2023. This measure has been taken in response to the increasing influx of asylum seekers.
In a telephone conversation with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, she was briefed on the situation at the border with Russia. She extended her gratitude to the Finnish Border Guards for their dedication to protecting European borders.
The Finnish government has decided to close the border crossing points of Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Imatra, and Niirala, with implementation starting on Saturday.
Prime Minister Orpo also expressed his appreciation for the support, and stated “Thank you von der Leyen for good discussion and your support. Finland also protects the external border of the European Union.”
Furthermore, Finland’s Foreign Ministry disclosed that the nation with a population of 5.6 million finalized a new bilateral defense agreement with the United States last month.
This comprehensive agreement known as the DCA pact grants Washington the authority to deploy U.S. troops and to establish storage facilities for equipment, weapons, and ammunition in mutually agreed-upon locations within Finland.
Also Read: Finland to close borders for Russian tourists
Finnish President Sauli Niinistö linked Russia’s recent actions to Finland’s NATO membership in April, marking a significant shift in Finland’s military alignment after decades of non-alignment. President Niinistö told to reporter during his visit to Germany “Yes, we’re constantly being reminded (by Moscow) that Finland has joined NATO.”
The recent closure of border crossings has triggered a response from Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who expressed regret over Finland’s perceived shift away from their previously positive bilateral relations.
Muhammad Idrees Khan is a contributing author on TDI.
