Biden Supports Finland and Sweden's Diplomatic Decision-Making Rights... Backs NATO Membership

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] U.S. President Joe Biden announced on the 13th (local time) that he supports the NATO membership of Finland and Sweden.

According to the White House, President Biden spoke with Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and Finnish President Sauli Niinist? on the same day to discuss security cooperation measures.

In this call, he emphasized NATO's open-door policy and supported Finland and Sweden's right to determine their own future and foreign policy. He also reaffirmed continued cooperation to support the people of Ukraine, who have suffered from Russia's invasion.

Finland, a militarily neutral Nordic country bordering Russia, officially announced its NATO membership on the 12th in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Sweden is also expected to formally apply for membership on the 16th.

NATO is expected to discuss this matter at the Foreign Ministers' meeting on the 14th and 15th. With the U.S. officially expressing support, it is anticipated that discussions will accelerate.

However, Russia opposes the NATO membership of the two countries. Turkey has also expressed a negative stance. On the same day, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated that the membership of the two countries has broad support from NATO member states and that efforts are being made to clarify Turkey's position.