According to the US government, Sweden will officially become a member of NATO next Thursday. The Scandinavian country will become the 32nd alliance partner, the White House in Washington announced on Thursday.
“Sweden is a strong democracy with a highly capable military that shares our values and our vision of the world,” the country said in a press statement. With Sweden as an ally, the US and its allies are even more secure.
The US Department of Defense also announced in a public day program that Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson would be received by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday afternoon at 5:15 pm CET (11:15 am local time). On Wednesday, the Swedish government confirmed that Kristersson and Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström will be in Washington on Thursday.
One of the remaining steps for Sweden to join NATO is for its certificate of accession to be filed with the U.S. 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 still needs to be officially submitted. 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. (saw/sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
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.
