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The head of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, believes that the submission of applications by Finland and Sweden to NATO would be a “historic decision” and would strengthen collective security.
“Finland and Sweden must decide for themselves whether or not to join NATO.These countries are NATO’s closest partners. Their application to join the alliance will be a historic moment and will strengthen our common security,” Stoltenberg said following an informal meeting of the North Atlantic Bloc’s foreign ministers in Berlin.
Earlier, the Finnish authorities officially decided to join NATO.The country’s foreign minister, Pekka Haavisto, said that an application for membership in the alliance could be sent on Wednesday, May 18. Haavisto also added that Finland has already begun preparations for a possible Russian reaction, including to traditional military threats.