THE Finland and Sweden formally filed jointly today request for their accession to NATOstarting the process for their accession to the Alliance, which is estimated to take a few weeks.
#BREAKING: Sweden Ambassador Axel Wernhoff and Finland Ambassador @Korhonenklaus deliver letters expressing their countries interest to apply for NATO membership pic.twitter.com/AxzuNioNGv
– Amichai Stein (@ AmichaiStein1) May 18, 2022
For “historical moment” to which “we must seize“Said the Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenbergholding in its hands the applications of Sweden and Finland for their accession to the Alliance, having at his side the ambassadors of the two countries.
«It’s a good day at a crucial time for our safety“, He added.
[LIVE] #NATO Secretary General @jensstoltenberg meets the ambassador of #Finland to NATO, @korhonen_klaus 🇫🇮 & the ambassador of #Sweden to NATO, Axel Wernhoff 🇸🇪 https://t.co/Ds480P3SEp
– Oana Lungescu (@NATOpress) May 18, 2022
«Thank you for fulfilling the applications of Finland and Sweden to join NATO. Every nation has the right to choose its path“, he continued.
In the same context, he stressed that “I warmly welcome the requests of Finland and Sweden to join NATO. You are our closest partners and membership will increase mutual security».
He pointed out that the allies will evaluate the next steps in the process for the accession of the two Nordic countries and that the security interests of all the allies will be taken into account.
“We are determined to work on all issues and reach quick conclusions,” Jens Stoltenberg concluded.
It is noted that consultations have begun between NATO member countries in order to lift Turkey’s objections.According to diplomatic sources, for this to happen, Turkey will have to discuss with the two countries concerned in order to find a solution within two weeks, which they will have to change their attitude towards the Syrian Kurds and the PKK.
However, it is not ruled out that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan may ask for compensation from other NATO member states, or even the EU itself.
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