Finland, Switzerland and Sweden may join the security program
Finland, Switzerland, and Sweden, known for their long-standing neutrality in Europe, are considering joining the U.S. National Guard's security partnership program amid Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
This was announced on Thursday by US National Guard Commander Dan Hokanson, AP reports.
Hokanson noted that the American side is negotiating separately with Finland, Switzerland, and Sweden to strengthen security partnerships with the United States.
He specified that Finland and Sweden, which have already abandoned their neutrality to join NATO, are currently negotiating a partnership, and Switzerland is currently reviewing the relationships that other countries have with the National Guard and assessing the possibility of such a program in the future.
The US National Guard's State Partnership Program is an important tool through which the US military builds relationships with foreign militaries by conducting regular training and educational exchanges with young officers.
Author - Olena Madiak, 27/07/2023
