NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg met with Finland Ambassador to NATO Klaus Korhonen and Sweden Ambassador to NATO Axel Wernhoff at NATO’s Brussels headquarters as the two states officially submit applications to join the military alliance.

Stoltenberg warmly welcomed the requests, saying ”this is a good day, at a critical moment for our security.”

“Every nation has the right to choose its own path. You have both made your choice, after thorough democratic processes. And I warmly welcome the requests by Finland and Sweden to join NATO. You are our closest partners. And your membership in NATO would increase our shared security,” Stoltenberg said.

“The applications you have made today are a historic step. Allies will now consider the next steps on your path to NATO. The security interests of all Allies have to be taken into account. And we are determined to work through all issues and reach rapid conclusions,” he added. (ILKKA)