US President Joe Biden praised Finland as an important defence partner during a visit by Finnish President Sauli Niinistös, amid Russia's continuing invasion of Ukraine.
Biden called Finland a critical partner, a strong defence partner and a partner to NATO, during a meeting at the White House in Washington on Friday.
He said Finland was a "critical partner of the United States, a strong defense partner as well, a partner to NATO especially in the strength and security of the Baltic Sea area.”
Biden also said the two leaders had agreed that Moscow's war was "not only an attack on Ukraine, it’s an attack on the security of Europe and the global peace and stability."
"We are really living very difficult times," Niinistö said.
They agreed that they were committed to helping Ukraine defend itself, supporting humanitarian needs and coordinating everything from sanctions to export controls and broader global issues.
Longest border with Russia
Finland has the longest border with Russia of any country in the European Union.
Finland is not a member of NATO but is a close partner of the military alliance and an important player in the highly tense relationship between the EU and Moscow.
Niinistö is seen as someone who knows Putin well.
