French president hopes more Nordic countries join security initiative

Source: Xinhua| 2018-08-30 19:10:50|Editor: Xiang Bo
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HELSINKI, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- France wants Sweden and Norway to join the French security initiative, French President Emmanuel Macron said here on Wednesday at a joint press conference with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto.

Finland announced its interest in joining the initiative last week. Nine European nations had joined earlier, including Finland's southern neighbour Estonia.

"Europe is beginning to feel more responsibility for its security," Niinisto said. "If we want to promote the values we appreciate, we must look strong."

Macron said France and Finland shared the view on security, although "small differences may exist".

The press conference given by the two presidents will be followed by another in the afternoon with Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila.

Anna-Stina Heikkila, an analyst of the national broadcaster Yle, said the visit was important to Finland. France is increasing its profile on the European security scene and it is necessary for Finland to be part of the development.

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