NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday that Finland will become the 31st member of the world’s largest military alliance on Tuesday, and hopes neighbor Sweden can join in the coming months.
“This is a historic week,” Stoltenberg told reporters on the eve of the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels. “From tomorrow, Finland will become a full member of the alliance.”
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The former Norwegian Prime Minister said on Tuesday afternoon, “I will raise the Finnish flag for the first time here at NATO headquarters. It will be a good day for Finnish security, Nordic security and NATO as a whole.”
Stoltenberg said Turkey, the last country to ratify Finland’s membership, will deliver an official document to US Secretary of State Antony Brinken on Tuesday. Stoltenberg said he would invite Finland to do the same.
The ceremony will be attended by Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen and Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto.
“This is a historic moment for us. For Finland, the most important purpose of the meeting will be to highlight NATO support for Ukraine as Russia continues its illegal aggression. We aim to promote the stability and security of the
The development comes as Finnish voters backed conservatives in weekend elections, stripping left-wing Prime Minister Sanna Marin of his next term.
Fearing that they would be targeted after Russia invaded Ukraine a year ago, Nordic neighbors Finland and Sweden sought protection under the NATO security umbrella by mobilizing military forces. abandoned its traditional position of non-alignment.
All 30 allies have signed the Finnish and Swedish Accession Protocols. Turkey and Hungary delayed the process for months, but Finland showed no mercy. Turkey has sought assurances and guarantees from both sides, especially in regards to tackling extremism. Hungary’s demands are by no means clear.
NATO must unanimously agree for new members to join.
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