The country's armed forces meet the standards of the alliance, and Finland is its close partner.
If Finland or Sweden decides to apply for NATO membership, they will be able to count on a positive response and a speedy accession procedure. This was stated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at a briefing, commenting on the possibility of Finland's accession to the alliance.
“NATO has always advocated the fundamental right of any nation to choose its own path, including, of course, the right of Finland and Sweden… Finland is a very close NATO partner. The armed forces of Finland and Sweden meet NATO standards. If they apply, I expect it to be accepted. On the positive side, a way will be found to quickly agree on an accession protocol and move towards NATO membership, “Stoltenberg said in response to a question from a journalist.
However, the Secretary General stressed that Finland must decide for itself whether to join the alliance. NATO will respect any decision, including the desire to remain a non-aligned country.
Earlier , Finnish President Sauli Niinistö discussed with Jens Stoltenberg the prospects and principles of joining NATO.
