Representatives from NATO's 30 member states on Tuesday signed accession protocols for Finland and Sweden, after their invitations to the military alliance at the historic summit in Madrid last week.
The NATO secretary general and the foreign ministers of Finland and Sweden held a press conference in Brussels following the signing of protocols, where they answered journalists’ questions about the trilateral memorandum with Türkiye, in which they pledged to address Ankara’s concerns about their stance on the PKK and FETO terror groups.
Reminding that the NATO allies had agreed to invite the two Scandinavian countries to join the alliance, Stoltenberg said NATO ambassadors had just signed the accession protocols for Finland and Sweden.
“This is a historic day for Finland, for Sweden, for NATO and for Euro-Atlantic security,” he said, adding: "Today, we have shown once again that NATO's door is open.”
The NATO chief also thanked Ankara, Helsinki, and Stockholm for their “constructive approach.”
“Trilateral agreement they signed at Madrid summit made today possible,” he continued.
“I know all three parties are working hard on the implementation and robust follow-through, especially in the fight against terrorism,” he remarked.
Stoltenberg said the next step now is to “ensure the speed ratification” of the accession according to their national procedures.
Finland’s Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, for his part, said the Madrid summit made a “historic decision” to invite Finland and Sweden to become members of the alliance.
“I am pleased to see the signing of accession protocol by all NATO allies,” he said.
“Look forward to participating in work of alliance as invitee member from now on.”
Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde said her country will contribute to the “security of all allies.”
She believes that joining NATO is the best way for Sweden to “ensure our national security and keep Swedish people safe.”
