Finland and US Strengthen Defense Cooperation

Finland will sign a defense cooperation agreement with the United States, granting the US military broad access to areas near its border with Russia. The agreement aims to allow swift military access and aid to Finland in case of conflict. It lists 15 facilities and areas in Finland where the US military will have unimpeded access and can store military equipment and ammunition. Finland, which became a NATO member earlier this year, will not allow storage or transport of nuclear and biological weapons or anti-personnel mines on its territory. The agreement will be signed in Washington D.C. on Monday.