Finland And Sweden Officially Register Despite Turkey's Objections, NATO Secretary General: Increase Security

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg shows Sweden and Finland application forms. (Source: NATO)

JAKARTA - Finland and Sweden formally signed up to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance on Wednesday, considering Russia's invasion of Ukraine despite Turkey's objections, with the accession process expected to take only a few weeks.

Neutral during the Cold War, Sweden and Finland's decision to join NATO was one of the most significant changes in Europe's security architecture for decades.

The move also reflects a major shift in public opinion in the Nordic region since Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

"This is a historic moment, which we must seize," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at a brief ceremony in which the Swedish and Finnish ambassadors to the alliance, submitted their application letters, each on a white folder bearing the national flag of each country. reported Reuters May 18.

"I warmly welcome Finland and Sweden's request to join NATO. You are our closest partner, and your membership in NATO will enhance our mutual security," Stoltenberg continued.

The Alliance considers that the accession of Finland and Sweden will greatly strengthen and enhance its capabilities in the Baltic Sea.

With the applications formally submitted, the Nordic countries and their many supporters now face months of uncertainty, during which any resistance to their offer will need to be overcome, with all 30 NATO members needing to agree to the expansion.

Passage by all allied parliaments could take up to a year, diplomats said.

Turkey has surprised its allies in recent days by saying they have doubts about the membership of Finland and Sweden.

Turkey says the two countries host individuals linked to groups it deems to be terrorists, and alludes to the arms export embargo imposed by the two countries after the Syrian offensive in 2019.

However, Stoltenberg said on Wednesday he thought the matter could be resolved.

"We are determined to address all issues and reach a swift conclusion," Stoltenberg said, noting the strong support from all other allies.

To smooth this registration, Sweden's Defense Minister flew to Washington, with Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and Finnish President Sauli Niinisto following this weekend.

The nations hope rapid ratification by the United States, the alliance's main power, will help pave their way to White House membership, having said they are confident any obstacles can be overcome.

The decision to seek a place under the NATO umbrella is a setback for Moscow, with the war in Ukraine fueling an expansion of the alliance on Russia's borders that needs to be prevented with weapons.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Sweden and Finland's NATO membership poses no threat to Russia. But warned that Moscow would respond if the Western alliance upgrades military infrastructure in the new Nordic member.