President Joe Biden hosted Finnish President Sauli Niinisto at the White House on Friday to discuss the “united trans-Atlantic response” to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The president told reporters he was “delighted to have a good friend” take part in the “coordinated” response and called Finland a “critical partner of the United States” and a “strong defense partner” in the Baltics, despite its non-NATO member status.
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“We agree it’s not only an attack on Ukraine. It’s an attack on the security of Europe and the global peace and stability,” Biden added. “We’re committed to helping Ukraine defend itself and support of the humanitarian need of the Ukrainian people.”
Niinisto in turn thanked Biden for the “leadership” he has shown throughout “very difficult times.”
“We need it now,” he continued, heaping praise on Biden. “Our thoughts today undoubtedly now are with the Ukrainian people who are fighting bravely for their country and we do our best to help.”
Both Biden and Niinisto joked during their pool spray about Finland’s history of neutrality in international conflicts. The president noted that his predecessor, former President Barack Obama, used to say that if the majority of countries were like Finland and other Nordic countries, “we’d be fine.”
“Well, we usually don’t start wars,” Niinisto responded in jest.
Earlier in the day, reporters pressed White House press secretary Jen Psaki over whether or not Biden supported Finland’s request to be recognized as a nonmember ally to NATO. However, she deferred inquiries regarding “any determinations about next steps” to NATO itself.
Psaki said she expected Biden and Niinisto to discuss “security guarantees” and the “strong history of the U.S.-Finland defense relationship, which is complemented by Finland’s close relationship with NATO.”
“Finland’s current status as an enhanced opportunity partner for the alliance helps ensure strong defense and close security ties in the Baltic Sea region,” she continued. “But again, you know, this is a continuing conversation. I’m sure that their defense and security and our close ties will be a part of it, but we’ll let them have the meeting.”
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You can watch Psaki’s entire briefing below.
