Biden also praised Finland and Sweden, saying both have “strong democratic institutions.
Washington:
President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed US ratification of bids by Finland and Sweden to enter NATO, taking the expansion of the Western coalition one step closer in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Biden said the two northern European countries would become “strong, credible, highly capable new allies” in the US-led transatlantic alliance by making a “sacred commitment” to mutual defense.
Earlier this month, the Senate voted 95-1 in favor of the Nordic states’ accession, making the United States 23rd out of 30 NATO countries to offer formal support. New membership requires unanimous support.
Biden, who restored traditional US alliances after Donald Trump’s move to sever ties around the world, praised NATO as the “foundation of US security”.
“The United States is committed to the transatlantic alliance.”
Biden also praised Finland and Sweden, saying both have “strong democratic institutions, strong military and strong and transparent economies” that will now strengthen NATO.
President Vladimir Putin’s Russia invading Ukraine “broke up peace and security in Europe”, Biden said. “Putin thought he might tear us apart… Instead, he’s getting what he didn’t want.”
The White House said Biden spoke by telephone with Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and Finnish President Souli Niinisto before the signing ceremony.
“President Biden congratulated the US Senate on their bipartisan ratification of the NATO accession protocol, and welcomed Finland and Sweden one step closer to becoming NATO allies,” the White House said.
“President Biden confirmed that the United States will work with Finland and Sweden to remain vigilant against any threats to our shared security and to counteract the threat of aggression or aggression,” the statement said.
(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)