President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin published a joint statement on Finland’s NATO membership on Thursday morning.
Helsinki, May 12.– “Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay,” a joint statement by Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin (the SDP) declares on Thursday morning.
According to the statement, NATO membership would strengthen Finland’s security. As a member of NATO, Finland would strengthen the entire defense alliance.
The statement notes:
“During this spring, an important discussion on Finland’s possible NATO membership has taken place. Time has been needed to let Parliament and the whole society establish their stands on the matter. 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. Now that the moment of decision-making is near, we state our equal views, also for information to the parliamentary groups and parties. We hope that the national steps still needed to make this decision will be taken rapidly within the next few days.”
[ More ]