Minister Kaikkonen spoke by phone with US Secretary of Defence Austin

In the evening of 7 April 2021, Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen held a bilateral telephone conversation with the new US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd J. Austin III.

The discussed topics included defence cooperation and other current issues.

Minister Kaikkonen wished Secretary Austin success in his new position and stated that the United States is an important and close partner country for Finland.

"The bilateral Statement of Intent, signed in 2016, provides a good framework for developing cooperation," the Finnish government said in a press release.

According to government information, both Minister Kaikkonen and Secretary Austin consider it important to continue discussions on European security and topical international issues. They expressed the common wish "to meet as soon as possible."