Finland and Sweden submit applications to join NATO

(CNN) – Finland and Sweden Have submitted applications to join To NATOMilitary Coalition Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday.

“The demands you have submitted today are a historic step. The Allies will now consider NATO’s next steps on the path to NATO,” Stoltenberg said after receiving requests from Finnish and Swedish ambassadors at the coalition headquarters in Brussels.

“The security interests of all allies must be taken into account and we are committed to resolving all issues and reaching a speedy resolution,” he added.

Stoltenberg spoke with Finnish and Swedish ambassadors to NATO, Klaus Gorhon and Axel Wernhof, respectively.

The Baltic states support Finland and Sweden joining NATO

The leaders of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in a joint statement on Wednesday supported the “historic decision” of Finland and Sweden to apply for NATO membership.

“Finland and Sweden share the same values ​​that unite NATO allies and share our commitment to policies that form the basis of Euro-Atlantic security,” the leaders said.

“Finland and Sweden joining NATO will enhance our joint security and strengthen the alliance.”

The statement was issued by the Prime Minister of Estonia Gaja Gallus, the Prime Minister of Latvia Argentina Grijanis Karins and the Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida Simonide.

“The Baltic states, along with Finland and Sweden, share responsibility for a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nordic Baltic region,” they said.

“In the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, NATO’s role as a defensive alliance fighting for peace, security and stability across the Euro-Atlantic is even more important. We look forward to working with Finland and Sweden within the Alliance.” Goals. “