[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] U.S. President Joe Biden expressed strong support on the 18th (local time) for Finland and Sweden's submission of their applications to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
In a statement on the day, President Biden said, "I warmly welcome and strongly support the historic applications of Finland and Sweden," adding, "I look forward to working with Congress and NATO to ensure their swift accession to the strongest security alliance in history."
He mentioned, "Both countries have long been faithful partners of the United States," and "By joining NATO, they will further strengthen security cooperation and benefit the entire alliance spanning the Atlantic."
Until now, Finland and Sweden had maintained a neutral stance under their policy of military non-alignment and had not joined NATO. However, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, public support for NATO membership rapidly increased, leading to their decision to join.
President Biden is expected to reaffirm his strong support once again during talks at the White House on the 19th with Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and Finnish President Sauli Niinist?.
For these countries to join NATO, unanimous approval from all 30 existing member states is required. Currently, Turkey's opposition is considered a variable.
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