NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the military alliance struck an agreement to enter Sweden and Finland after settling Turkey's objections.
A memorandum was signed on the eve of the military alliance’s summit in Madrid between Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Finland's President Sauli Niinistö, and Sweden's Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson.
“Our joint memorandum underscores the commitment of Finland, Sweden, and Turkey to extend their full support against threats to each other’s security,” the Finnish President said in a statement.
“Us becoming NATO allies will further strengthen this commitment,” Niinistö said.
Sweden and Finland have previously rejected to apply for Nato membership, owing to a mix of popular sentiment and concern over their security ties with Russia.
Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday evening: “I am pleased to announce that we now have an agreement that paves the way for Finland and Sweden to join Nato.”
Previously, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that he would not approve the applications of two Nordic countries because of their backing of Kurdish organisations that Ankara regards as security risks.
To be admitted into NATO, a country's bid must be approved by all 30 NATO members.
US President Joe Biden congratulated the three nations on the agreement on Twitter and said “a crucial step towards a NATO invite to Finland and Sweden, which will strengthen our Alliance and bolster our collective security – and a great way to begin the Summit.”
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