Sweden, Norway couple national emergency radio networks

COPENHAGEN – Norway and Sweden have joined their emergency radio networks so first responders can better co-ordinate their efforts during rescue operations, natural disasters and threats.

Norwegian Justice Minister Anders Anundsen says the partnership formalized Wednesday marks the first time two countries have connected their national communication networks used by police, fire departments and rescue services.

Anundsen said after signing the deal in central Norway that “threats, accidents and natural disasters don’t relate to national boundaries.”

Swedish Interior Minister Anders Ygeman says the joint network will create “smoother communication” across the mountainous border of more than 1,600 kilometres (992 miles) the Scandinavian countries share.

The European Union says it hopes other member countries will create similar arrangements.