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Finland and Sweden have applied to join the world's largest military alliance, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), citing security concerns over Russia's conflict in Ukraine.
Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg personally accepted the Nordic neighbors' membership applications at the headquarters
The 30 member nations will now vote on the application. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish president, has expressed opposition to Finland and Sweden joining.
“I warmly welcome the requests by Finland and Sweden to join NATO. You are our closest partners,” Stoltenberg said on Wednesday. “This is a historic moment, which we must seize.”
Axel Wernhoff, Sweden's ambassador to NATO, and Klaus Korhonen, Finnish ambassador, handed up the application letters signed by the two Nordic nations' foreign ministers soon after 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
“Over the past few days, we have seen numerous statements by Allies committing to Finland’s and Sweden’s security,” Stoltenberg said.
NATO is already vigilant in the Baltic Sea region, and NATO and Allies’ forces will continue to adapt as necessary, Nato Secretary-General added.
“All Allies agree on the importance of NATO enlargement, “Stoltenberg said. “We all agree that we must stand together.”
Picture Credits: Reuters
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