neighbourhood, and increase their influence in international questions. Likewise, by acting in unison they, among other things, intensify their relationship with the United States. 5.3 Deepening cooperation with the United States The United States is an important partner for Finland. It plays a key role in global questions and in regional issues that are vital to Finland, as well as bilaterally. Finland will intensify its cooperation with the United States in international questions associated with security and defence, migration, topics associated with the climate, energy and the Arctic as well as economic growth and global development. Increasing trade and investments serve Finland’s interests. The commitment of the United States to NATO and its military presence in Europe continue to be essential to Finland’s security. Cooperating with the United States, both bilaterally and within the framework of NATO, is needed for Finland’s national defence. Finland will intensify its security policy and defence cooperation with the United States: the goal is to strengthen the national defence capacity by especially developing interoperability, materiel cooperation as well as training and exercise cooperation. 5.4 The importance of relations with Russia In its relations with Russia Finland promotes cooperation and maintains a dialogue on the international situation and issues associated with the Baltic Sea region and bilateral topics. The EU’s common positions on Russia form the basis for Finland’s action. Improved cooperation between the EU and Russia would strengthen the security and economy of all of Europe; Russia’s isolation does not serve anyone’s interests. The precondition for such improvement is, however, that Russia comply with international law and its other international obligations. The implementation of the Minsk Agreement is vital for better EURussia relations. Russia is Finland’s neighbour, and its democratic development and stability are important. Finland aims to maintain stable and well-functioning relations with Russia. In addition to economic cooperation, collaboration in Arctic and climate questions, for example, remains important. Finland’s energy cooperation with Russia is broad and must be interconnected with the development of the EU’s Energy Union. Regional and cross-border cooperation with Russia in northern 22