During his visit to Sweden, President Alexander Stubb paid close attention to the country’s security and defense policy statements. However, HS Scandinavia correspondent Hilla Körkkö believes that Finland can still learn from Sweden in certain areas.
President Stubb characterized the Stockholm leg of his visit as having a cold weather but warm atmosphere. This marked the first time a NATO-Finland president visited NATO-Sweden, signifying the close relationship between the two countries.
The visit was significant because it came after Finland’s recent NATO membership while Sweden had to wait longer to join the alliance. There was a sense of urgency in Sweden due to the uncertain security situation in Europe with discussions about war preparedness taking place.
During his speech, President Stubb emphasized the need for both countries to prioritize military preparedness and cooperation. He highlighted the importance of economic cooperation between Finnish and Swedish companies to enhance global competitiveness and drive sustainable practices.
Sweden’s advancements in sectors such as energy and mining were noted by President Stubb who suggested joint export promotion initiatives. Despite Finland’s progress in certain areas, there are still lessons to be learned from Sweden particularly in terms of green transition and industrial investments.
Overall, President Stubb’s visit underscored the strong bond between Finland and Sweden with opportunities for collaboration and mutual learning in various fields.