21:19 5 July 2022
NATO countries sign accession protocols of Sweden and Finland
Ambassadors of NATO countries on Tuesday signed the accession protocols of Finland and Sweden at the Alliance's headquarters in Brussels in the presence of Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto and Swedish diplomatic chief Ann Linde.
"This is a truly historic moment. For Finland, Sweden, NATO, and our common security," Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General, said.
"The admission of Sweden and Finland to NATO will make these countries safer and the North Atlantic Alliance stronger," he added.
He thanked Turkey for its "constructive approach" in the process of the two Nordic countries' accession to NATO. In his view, Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine has cast a shadow over peace in Europe, so we must stand together at this dangerous moment in our history.
Sweden and Finland now have the status of invited countries to NATO and can participate in the Alliance's deliberations without voting rights. In parallel, ratification of accession protocols will continue in NATO member countries.
(PAP)
