Biden signs ratification of Finland, Sweden NATO bids

Biden signs ratification of Finland, Sweden NATO bids

President Joe Biden flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris and the ambassadors of Sweden and Finland, says NATO expansion is a response to Russia's Ukraine invasion
President Joe Biden flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris and the ambassadors of Sweden and Finland, says NATO expansion is a response to Russia's Ukraine invasion. Photo: SAUL LOEB / AFP
Source: AFP

New feature: Check out news exactly for YOU ➡️ find “Recommended for you” block and enjoy!

President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed US ratification of bids by Finland and Sweden to enter NATO, taking expansion of the Western alliance in response to Russia's Ukraine invasion one step closer.

Biden said the two northern European countries would become "strong, reliable highly capable new allies" by making the "sacred commitment" to mutual defense in the US-led transatlantic alliance.

Earlier this month, the Senate voted 95-1 in favor of the Nordic states' accession, making the United States the 23rd of the 30 NATO countries to give formal endorsement. Unanimous support is needed for new membership.

Biden, who has made restoring traditional US alliances a cornerstone of his administration after Donald Trump's move to upend ties around the world, praised NATO as "the foundation of American security."

Read also

Biden out of isolation after testing negative for Covid

"The United States is committed to the transatlantic alliance."

Biden also praised Finland and Sweden, saying both have "strong democratic institutions, strong militaries and strong and transparent economies" that would now bolster NATO.

PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see YEN.com.gh News on your News Feed!

President Vladimir Putin's Russia "shattered peace and security in Europe" by invading Ukraine, Biden said. "Putin thought he could break us apart.... Instead, he is getting exactly what he did not want."

Source: AFP

Online view pixel