Finland Times

Talking to the Yle TV1 in its Morning Breakfast (Ykkösaamu) programme, the prime minister also said that the situation in Russia and the upcoming general elections in Finland are the most important issues at the moment.

Stubb said the country will take a decision on the NATO membership issue when the proper time comes.

He said his opinion on the foreign security policy does not differ to that of the president.

Stubb, however, hoped that the next government will consider the NATO membership issue during its regime.

The premier said a referendum on the NATO issue could be organised, if all parties reach a consensus in this regard.

The most important matter is an independent and credible defence system, said the prime minister, emphasising cooperation with Sweden and EU and finally also with NATO, if necessary.

“It is important that we cooperate with the Western democracies. The EU’s common security policy should not be underestimated,” he said, adding that the meeting with President Sauli Niinistö and the heads of political parties was a good example.

Earlier, on Friday, President Sauli Niinistö met with leaders of the country’s political parties to discuss matters pertaining to the foreign and security policy of the country.

A similar meeting of the president with the party leaders was held last in August.

Niinistö said no one had submitted an application for membership of the military alliance NATO “under the current circumstances”.