WAR IN UKRAINE

Biden to welcome Finnish president to White House

Finland's President Sauli Niinisto speaks at the 58th Munich Security Conference. Photo: Tobias Hase/dpa.

The Nomad Today/dpa

04 de March de 2022 (08:26 h.)

Finland is an important player in the highly tense relationship between the EU and Moscow and Niinistö has been described by some as a Putin sympathizer in the past

US President Joe Biden is set to welcome Finland's President Sauli Niinistö to the White House in Washington on Friday, US government spokesperson Jen Psaki said on Thursday.

Their talks are likely to centre on Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. They are also due to discuss their defence relationship, which is strong, demonstrated by Finland's close partnership with NATO.

Psaki said the two had last spoken on the phone in mid-December and mid-January.

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 has been described by some as a Putin sympathizer in the past.