President and Prime Minister of Finland officially state their support for NATO membership
Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin officially announce their support for NATO accession
This is stated in a statement on the website of the President of Finland.
According to Niinistö and Marin, an important discussion took place in the spring on Finland's possible membership in NATO, as it took time to form an internal position both in parliament and in society as a whole.
"Time has been needed for close international contacts with NATO and its member countries, as well as with Sweden. We have wanted to give the discussion the space it required," the statement said.
"Now that the moment of decision-making is near, we state our equal views, also for information to the parliamentary groups and parties. NATO membership would strengthen Finland's security. As a member of NATO, Finland would strengthen the entire defense alliance. Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay," the President and Prime Minister of Finland said.
They expressed hope that the steps still needed to reach this decision would be taken quickly in the coming days.
It should be noted that the final decision to apply for NATO membership would require a vote in parliament.
As Rubryka reported, it was previously reported that Finland and Sweden could apply for membership in the North Atlantic Alliance next week.
