Two years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine forced it to rethink its national security policy, Sweden became NATO’s newest member on Thursday upon depositing its instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty with the Government of the United States in Washington DC. With Sweden’s accession, NATO now counts 32 countries among its members.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said: “This is a historic day. Sweden will now take its rightful place at NATO’s table, with an equal say in shaping NATO policies and decisions. After over 200 years of non-alignment Sweden now enjoys the protection granted under Article 5, the ultimate guarantee of Allies’ freedom and security. Sweden brings with it capable armed forces and a first-class defence industry. Sweden’s accession makes NATO stronger, Sweden safer and the whole Alliance more secure. Today’s accession demonstrates that NATO’s door remains open and that every nation has the right to choose its own path.”
Sweden’s flag will be raised alongside those of the other 31 Allies in a ceremony at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Monday (11 March 2024), and simultaneously at NATO commands across Europe and North America.
Also Read: Stage set for showdown as Trump nigh on closer to Republican nomination
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson handed over the final documentation to the U.S. government on Thursday. “Today is a truly historic day. Sweden is now a member of NATO,” Kristersson said.
“The reason this is such a strong, powerful fit, is because Sweden embodies and promotes the core values that are at the core of NATO – democracy, liberty, the rule of law,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, adding that this is a historic moment for Sweden, for our alliance and for the transatlantic relationship.
Also Read: Elon Musk breaks silence on funding US presidential election, here’s what he said
The recent accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO marks a significant milestone for the alliance, particularly given their strategic locations and the geopolitical tensions in the region. With a shared border of 1,340 km with Russia, Finland’s and Sweden’s membership represents one of NATO’s most significant additions in decades. This move also represents a setback for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has actively sought to prevent any further strengthening of the alliance.
Read all the World News, Business News, Sports News, Entertainment News, Business News and Opinion here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
