Places called Helsinki in Finland
CNN
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President Joe Biden and Nordic leaders came together Thursday to wrap up a critical trip to Europe for a summit that carried heavy symbolism at home and abroad about the president’s vision. on America’s role in the world.
The leaders of Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland are promoting US cooperation at the same site where former President Donald Trump met one-on-one for two hours with Russian President Vladimir Putin exactly five years ago. last week. The summit saw the former US president side with his Russian counterpart over whether the Kremlin interfered in the 2016 election in a stunning rebuke of US intelligence that has alarmed Washington and allied capitals around the world. .
Five years later, Biden strikes a very different tone. Surrounded by allies old and new, he reflected on Finland’s addition and Sweden’s expected addition to the NATO alliance amid Putin’s war in Ukraine, saying the decision “is a reminder that countries around the table not only share a common history, we share common challenges, and I would add, daring, common values.”
“The vision for the world we all share.. is one that is freer, safer, and opportunity is available for all,” he told leaders during the summit at Finland’s presidential palace.
Biden emphasized the group’s coordination efforts in support of Ukraine.
“Together, we stand with the great people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Russia’s brutal attack,” he said.
Thursday’s meeting marks the third summit and the first of the Biden administration. It comes on the heels of a big win for Biden in Vilnius, Lithuania, after Turkey dropped its objections to Sweden joining NATO earlier this week, but also gave the leaders a forum to discuss a variety of pressing issues.
The leaders secured a victory at the meeting, building on the momentum after Finland joined NATO and Sweden is set to join the alliance, providing a boost and a strong show of unity as the counter-offensive continues. in Ukraine. The historic announcement on the eve of the NATO summit represents a surprising about-face from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has stood in the way of Sweden joining NATO for more than a year due to many concerns. .
“I’ve been doing this for a long time. I don’t think NATO is strong,” Biden said in a meeting with President Saulistö Niini. “I think – this is a different time. The nature of our relationship, which also brings Sweden, makes a big difference.”
The Biden administration led a full-court press in the days leading up to the Vilnius summit, culminating months of behind-the-scenes diplomacy to keep Turkey from accessing Sweden.
Recalling a conversation with Niinistö as the Finnish leader prepared to seek NATO membership, Biden said, “It took me about three seconds to say yes,” pointing to “the fastest ratification in modern history” for a new NATO member. Finland became the 31st member of the alliance in April.
Finland, Biden said in his meeting with Niinistö, is a “good partner” and an “incredible asset” to NATO.
“We are improving our defense cooperation,” Biden said, adding, “Together we stand for shared democratic values.”
Referring to Putin, Biden added, “I told our friend in the East that he wants Finland-ization of NATO, and he will get NATO-ization of Finland.”
Among other issues for discussion: Arctic security. There is a presence from China and Russia in the Arctic, an area that is becoming more accessible due to climate change.
Amid the more than 500-day war in Ukraine, Russia continues to expand its military bases in the Arctic region, satellite images obtained by CNN months ago show the continued progress that strengthens and expands radar bases and runways in the area.
China is also increasing its presence in the region.
The US, an Arctic nation itself, is taking its own steps to strengthen its engagement in the region.
They are also expected to discuss areas of technological cooperation, including 5G and artificial intelligence technology. And climate engagement and clean energy will also be important topics during the visit to Helsinki.
On Thursday, Biden and Niinistö held a joint news conference, marking the first time the US president would field questions from reporters in a formal setting during the week-long trip.
He returned to Washington in the evening.