Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (left) and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo during a joint press conference in Helsinki, Finland, Nov 27, 2023. (PHOTO / LEHTIKUVA VIA AP)

HELSINKI - Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and his Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, held discussions here on Monday, focusing on bilateral relations, security issues and other topical international and EU affairs.

Orpo stressed the importance of closer contact between Finland and Sweden, especially on security issues.

During a joint press conference, Orpo mentioned Finland's consideration of new measures to address unauthorized immigration, emphasizing the importance of proportionate and effective actions.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the EU external border is "no longer a matter for Italy, Greece and Spain" only, but also a concern for the Nordics. He expressed strong support for Finland's efforts in protecting the EU border

For his part, Kristersson said the EU external border is "no longer a matter for Italy, Greece and Spain" only, but also a concern for the Nordics. He expressed strong support for Finland's efforts in protecting the EU border, saying, "We have a common interest."

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Both leaders stressed the importance of the 2024 European Parliament election. "Finland and Sweden are cooperating to have a strong impact on the future European Union agenda," Orpo said.

They also discussed their roles as NATO members, with Kristersson emphasizing that the transition "from following NATO to shaping NATO" represents a new identity. "You have to be there when the decisions at NATO are de facto being taken," he said.

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On the same day, the prime ministers held a joint meeting with the foreign and defense ministers of both countries. The Swedish delegation also met Finnish President Sauli Niinisto.