Sweden officially became the 32nd member of the NATO military alliance. The documents were handed over to Sweden at a ceremony in Washington. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken called it a 'historic achievement'. This marks the downfall of Russia, he said. Good things come to those who wait, Blinken said as he accepted the documents for NATO accession from Sweden's prime minister. Sweden was granted NATO membership following the approval of 31 other members.
'This is an important step and at the same time a very natural one,' said Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristerson. “This is a victory for freedom. He said that Sweden made a free, democratic and united election to join NATO. The White House said Sweden's accession to NATO will make the United States and other allies more secure.
“NATO is the most powerful defense alliance in the history of the world, and since it was formed 75 years ago after World War II, it continues to be critical to ensuring the safety of citizens today,” the White House said in a statement. Finland also joined NATO last year. Finland and Sweden applied for NATO membership in early 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine.
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