Niinistö hopes to see 32-member NATO summit in Vilnius

President Sauli Niinistö on Monday expressed his optimism to see a 32-member North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the upcoming summit scheduled for July in Vilnius, although Finland’s and Sweden’s NATO memberships are still two ratifications short of completion.

“Finland’s and Sweden’s NATO memberships are still two ratifications short of completion. But it is my hope and belief that the NATO Summit in Vilnius will be a true display of allied unity with 32 members around the table,” said Niinistö at a Joint Session at the Washington State Capitol in USA.

The President also appreciated the supports given by the United States throughout our membership process.

“President Biden has thrown his weight and extraordinary leadership behind Finland’s and Sweden’s membership processes. Dozens of members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives, from both sides of the aisle, have worked tirelessly on our behalf. And Americans across the country have voiced their support. For that, I just want to say: thank you,” he said.

Pointing out the bigger the challenges facing by the Europe and USA together following Russia´s invasion of Ukraine, he said that Europe and USA need each other.

“Europe needs the United States. But the United States also need Europe,” said Niinistö.

He said that Finland and the United States share a strong and longstanding relationship.

“Geographically, we might be far apart but our cultural and historical ties are very close. And most importantly, we stand for the same values,” said the President.

He said that Finland supports Ukraine’s initiative for a just peace. And one thing is clear: the Ukrainians have the right to live in peace and independence in their own country.

“There seems to be no end in sight for Russia’s war in Ukraine. It is for Ukraine to decide, when it is the time for negotiations. Finland supports Ukraine’s initiative for a just peace. And one thing is clear: the Ukrainians have the right to live in peace and independence in their own country,” he said, adding that more than one year ago, Russia launched its brutal attack on Ukraine and brought full-scale war back on the European continent.

“The past year has seen horrors we did not expect to see in Europe in this day and age. Cities destroyed. Schools, homes and critical infrastructure demolished. Thousands of lives taken. Millions forced to leave their homes,” said Niinistö, adding, “ for us Finns, Russia’s attack brought back echoes of our own history.”

He said that the current critical geopolitical situation has brought Finland and US closer together than ever before.

“We are now strengthening our ties in sectors such as defense, trade, technology and energy security. And soon we will be able to call each other Allies,” the President added.