Finland has agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding with NATO stating the nation’s readiness to receive assistance from foreign forces and to maintain military assets such as ships and aircraft. Defense Minister Carl Haglund says that the agreement is not a step towards NATO membership.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is similar to the military interoperability deal to which Sweden has now also subscribed. It is founded in Finland’s commitment to NATO’s Partnership for Peace, and to support its Planning and Review Process (PARP).

“In this time of peace it mainly relates to armed forces involved in training exercises,” stated Minister Haglund. “In theory, in times of crisis we are better qualified for receiving assistance from other EU countries, the Nordic countries and NATO countries.”

Image: Finnish Defense Minister Carl Haglund, Jan. 23, 2014