“Today, the President of the Republic and the Government's Foreign Policy Committee have jointly agreed that Finland will apply for NATO membership, after consulting parliament. This is a historic day. I have begun the day by visiting the graves of war dead on Finnish Memorial Day. These decisions will strengthen, not weaken, our security,” Niinisto said at a joint press conference with President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin.

The decision came after President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin released on Thursday a joint statement on Finland’s NATO membership.

“During this spring, an important discussion on Finland’s possible NATO membership has taken place. Time has been needed to let Parliament and the whole society establish their stands on the matter. Time has been needed for close international contacts with NATO and its member countries, as well as with Sweden. We have wanted to give the discussion the space it required,” the joint statement said.

“Now that the moment of decision-making is near, we state our equal views, also for information to the parliamentary groups and parties. NATO membership would strengthen Finland’s security. As a member of NATO, Finland would strengthen the entire defense alliance. Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay. We hope that the national steps still needed to make this decision will be taken rapidly within the next few days,” it added. (ILKHA)