Ajit Karn
Brussels, Belgium: NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg announced on Friday that Finland will become a member within days, congratulating its president on overcoming the final barrier to membership.
“I eagerly anticipate hoisting the Finnish flag at NATO headquarters in the future days. Together, we are stronger and secure,” tweeted Stoltenberg.
Thursday, after months of delays, the Turkish parliament became the last member of the US-led military alliance to ratify Finland’s membership application.
Stoltenberg stated in a separate statement, “Finland possesses highly capable forces, advanced capabilities, and robust democratic institutions.”
Therefore, Finland will contribute greatly to our alliance, he said.
Next week, NATO foreign ministers will convene at the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels, where the membership is anticipated to be formalized.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2014 destabilized European security and compelled Finland and its neighbor Sweden to abandon decades of nonalignment and pursue membership in NATO.
The Stockholm application remains stalled, however, due to Turkey and Hungary’s continued opposition.
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However, Stoltenberg insisted that “all allies agree that a swift conclusion of the ratification process for Sweden will be in the best interests of all”
“I look forward to Sweden joining the NATO family as a full member as soon as possible,” he said.
