The ongoing burden shift in NATO requires us to take more responsibility in Europe and the Nordic region. Acknowledging this, we discussed how the Nordic countries can strengthen defence cooperation within the framework of the Alliance. Particular emphasis was put on the ability of our countries to support and enable the movement of forces across borders, our cooperation in the air domain, and on drones and counter-drone systems.

The meeting in Trøndelag included visits to the Norwegian Armed Forces at Ørland Air Base and to SINTEF Ocean, where the importance of innovation and technology development was showcased.

For the second day of our meeting, we had the honour of inviting Ukraine's Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov. Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine continues to be the most pressing challenge to our common security. Nordic support for Ukraine remains steadfast, having consistently contributed political, military, financial, and humanitarian assistance. In cooperation with our Baltic allies and Poland, the Nordic countries have also led the initiative of establishing Camp Jomsborg, where Ukrainians are being trained to continue to defend not only Ukraine’s freedom and security, but all of Europe’s.In a more challenging security environment, the Nordic countries are moving closer together. On the strength of our common values, our deep level of trust and our shared geography, the Nordic nations are taking the necessary steps to strengthen our security and defence cooperation.

NATO remains the principal framework of our defence cooperation. We are increasingly seeing the effects of Finnish and Swedish membership in NATO. With all five countries united in the same alliance, new opportunities have opened to further strengthen our defence cooperation. We can now talk together, plan together and operate together in ways that were not possible before.

Closer defence cooperation between the Nordic countries strengthens security and defence, promotes regional security and stability, facilitates crisis management, and improve military capabilities. As NATO members, the Nordic countries are firmly committed to assist each other and other allies. By aligning our defence capabilities with national and allied interests, Nordic defence cooperation will continue to enhance NATO's posture in Northern Europe and contribute to the security of the Alliance as a whole.

We will keep the historic momentum strong and to make sure that initiatives are converted into results. Nordic defence cooperation is an everyday reality.