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Sweden officially joined NATO on Thursday. The Scandinavian country becomes the 32nd alliance partner. A corresponding statement from the US Department of State stated that all conditions for the entry into force of the accession of the Kingdom of Sweden have been met. Accordingly, the protocol came into effect on March 7.
“Sweden is a strong democracy with a highly capable military that shares our values and our vision of the world,” a White House press statement said. With Sweden as an ally, the US and its allies are even more secure.
The US Department of Defense also announced that Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson was received by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at 5:15 pm CET (11:15 am local time) on Thursday afternoon. At around 3:30 PM Swiss time, Kristersson finally announced via Sweden will soon become the 32nd member of NATO.”
Membership was applied for two years ago
Part of joining NATO was that the certificate of accession was filed with the US Department of State. This is the so-called depository of NATO’s founding treaty and is responsible for registering documents relating to the so-called North Atlantic Treaty. In addition, the document documenting Hungary’s consent had to be officially filed. Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok only signed it on Tuesday. The necessary parliamentary decision had previously been postponed for a long time.
The approval ultimately only came after Kristersson visited Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Several agreements on arms cooperation were announced. Hungary is purchasing four new Jas 39 Gripen fighter jets from Sweden. Before Hungary, Turkey in particular had blocked Sweden’s accession to NATO for a long time. Ultimately, the country only gave the necessary permission after Sweden promised greater efforts in the fight against terrorist organizations.
Impressed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Sweden decided to apply for NATO membership in 2022, after many years of freedom from military alliances. Finland was also there, after being welcomed into the alliance as the 31st member in April last year. According to information from the German news agency, a ceremony is planned in Brussels next Monday to welcome Sweden. (SDA/madam)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
