President Joe Biden says Finland and Sweden have US’s full support|Gage Skidmore|CC BY-SA 2.0
President Joe Biden Thursday said Finland and Sweden have “full, total and complete backing” of the US in joining NATO.
Biden welcomed Finland President Sauli Niinistö, and Sweden Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson to a ceremony at the White House Rose Garden after the two nations submitted their formal applications to join the military alliance.
Turkey’s objection
President Biden dismissed Turkey’s opposition to the two countries joining NATO. He defended the opinion adding, “Let me be clear: New members joining NATO is not a threat to any nation. It never has been. NATO's purpose is to defend against aggression. That's its purpose, to defend.”
What’s next?
Both Finland and Sweden already meet several NATO requirements, but all 30 NATO members should give their approval for joining the alliance.
At the ceremony, the leaders from the two countries said they were in conversation with Turkey, addressing its concerns.
