NATO's Rasmussen in Finland: Russia Is No Threat

Neeting between NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen (R) and Finnish PM Jyrki Katainen in Helsinki on Thursday. Photo by NATO.int

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen underscored the need for a deepening of cooperation with Finland and a constructive stance towards Russia during his visit to Helsinki Thursday.

"Finland is a model partner for NATO. Because you fully understand the importance of cooperative security. And you have demonstrated a strong commitment to make it a reality," said Rasmussen in his official addres.

Saying that the Alliance and Finland share the same values, the NATO Secretary General underscored that the two parties have a great potential to deepen their common work.

"We do not consider Russia a threat. We do not pose any threat to Russia," stated Rasmussen later at a press conference after meeting Finnish PM Jyrki Katainen.

Russia's historical relationship with Finland, along with an extensive shared border and alleged continuing influence is seen as key to Finland's not being a part of the North Atlantic Treaty.

In his remarks, Rasmussen underscored that NATO-Russia relations are completely friendly, being based on the 1997 Founding Act on mutual relations.

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