Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Work discussed defense cooperation and regional threats in a meeting between the U.S. and Nordic and Baltic countries, DoD News reported Tuesday.
Cheryl Pellerin writes the meeting focused on defense cooperation, Russian activities in Europe and anti-terrorism efforts against the Islamic State militant group.
“Finland has about a 1,500-kilometer border with Russia, so they have a very keen sense of what Russia is doing; whereas the Balts, who also are right on the border, have been very concerned about aggressive Russian activities,” Work said.
He added that he met with Peter Hultqvist, Swedish secretary of state for defense, to further discuss Sweden’s perspective on the Baltic Sea situation and Russia’s behavior, Pellerin reports.
During his visit, Work also talked with Swedish Supreme Commander Gen. Micael Byden about bilateral defense initiatives and NATO partnership projects as well as regional security, DoD News reported.
Work ended his trip with a visit to Belgium where he introduced the Third Offset Strategy to participating NATO officials, the report said.
