Finland, Sweden´s fast NATO joining important, not exact same time: Stoltenberg

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday said the most important thing is that both Finland and Sweden become members of NATO as soon as possible, not that they join exactly the same time.

“Finland and Sweden applied for NATO membership together. And all NATO Allies invited Finland and Sweden to join our Alliance at our Summit last year. But of course, the most important thing is that both Finland and Sweden become members as soon as possible. Not that they join exactly the same time,” Stoltenberg told at a meeting with Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto and Defence Minister Antti Kaikkonen at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.

Welcoming the progress made on finalising the ratification of Finland, the NATO secretary general also assured to work hard so that Sweden will also be a full NATO member in near future.

“We welcome the progress which is now made on finalising the ratification of Finland. And we will continue to work hard. It will be a top priority to ensure that also Sweden will become a full member in the near future,” he said.

Stoltenberg welcomed the announcement by Turkey that they will now move forward on the ratification of Finnish membership, and Hungary's announcement that they will also vote on Finnish ratification in the coming days.

“I welcome the announcement by Türkiye that they will now move forward on the ratification of Finnish membership. And I hope that the Grand National Assembly in Ankara can make a speedy decision on the ratification. I also welcome the Hungarian announcement that they will vote on Finnish ratification next week.” he said.