The General Secretary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) stated on Friday that Finland’s inclusion will strengthen the intergovernmental military alliance and that the organisation hopes to welcome Sweden as a full member soon.
The General Secretary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) stated on Friday that Finland’s inclusion will strengthen the intergovernmental military alliance and that the organisation hopes to welcome Sweden as a full member soon.
“And I have just spoken with President Sauli Niinisto to congratulate him on this historic occasion,” Stoltenberg said.
NATO General Secretary said, “Finland will formally join our alliance in the coming days. The membership will make Finland safer and NATO stronger. Finland has highly capable forces, advanced capabilities and strong democratic institutions. So Finland will bring a lot to our alliance.”
He further said, “All allies made a historic decision last year to invite Finland and Sweden to join our alliance. Since then, we have seen the fastest ratification process in NATO’s modern history.
“All allies agree that a rapid conclusion of the ratification process for Sweden will be in everyone’s interest. I look forward to also welcoming Sweden as a full member of the NATO family as soon as possible.”
On March 30, the Turkish Parliament voted unanimously in favour of Finland’s NATO membership application, clearing the final hurdle in the process while continuing to block Sweden’s membership.