The heads of state and government of NATO countries have celebrated Tuesday the incorporation of Finland to the Atlantic Alliance, in a day that several leaders have described as »historic» and that means the entry of the 31st member of this bloc, focused on security and defense issues.
The President of the United States, Joe Biden, sees NATO »stronger than ever» after »the fastest ratification process in the modern history of NATO», although he has recognized that the accession of Sweden is still pending, which he hopes can be completed »as soon as possible». In fact, he has directly urged Turkey and Hungary to complete their part, since they are the only two countries that have yet to give the go-ahead.
Biden has claimed in a statement the strengthening of the Atlantic Alliance as opposed to what his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, allegedly sought when he launched his »brutal war of aggression on Ukraine». That war not only did not divide Europe and NATO, but now »we are more united than ever».
»This is a historic day for you and for our alliance. A step that makes us all more secure,» said British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who called for »the necessary steps» to be taken so that Sweden can also join the Alliance.
The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, also welcomed Finland and expressed his confidence that »very soon» the »Swedish friends» will also be able to complete the path that the two Nordic countries jointly initiated in May 2022.
In the same vein, the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, has celebrated what he considers »a triumph for transatlantic security», with an allusion to the pending accession of Sweden, which has »the full support» of Berlin.
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stressed that, with Finland’s accession, »the neighbor to the north» will also be »a neighbor at the NATO table,» a »monumental» milestone for security around the Baltic Sea »and in the Alliance as a whole. »We look forward to welcoming Sweden as soon as possible,» she added.
Czech Petr Fiala considered that »this is a historic moment for Europe and its security,» while Poland’s Mateusz Morawiecki stressed that »strong allies provide a guarantee of security» at both the national and international level.
An optimism also shared by the Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo: »With Finland joining NATO, our Alliance will be stronger and Europe will be more secure».
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
