[ad_1]
Finland shares a 1,340-kilometer (832-mile) border with Russia, so its accession would more than double NATO’s border with the country.
Tuesday 4 April 2023 at 14:13, UK
Concerned about Russian aggression, Finland officially became a member of NATO.
In response, the Kremlin said it could be forced to take “countermeasures” to secure its own borders.
Finland applied to join NATO in May 2022, shelving years of military non-alignment, seeking protection under the group’s security umbrella following a Russian invasion Ukraine.
It borders 1,340 kilometers (832 miles) Russiaso its accession would more than double NATO’s border with the country.
“Finland became a member of the NATO defense alliance today. The era of military non-alignment in our history is over. A new era has begun,” Finnish President Sauli Niinistö said in a statement.
“Every country maximizes its own security. The same is true for Finland. At the same time, joining NATO has strengthened our international status and room for maneuver. As a partner, we have been actively involved in NATO activities for a long time. In the future, Finland will contribute to NATO’s Collective deterrence and defense.
“Membership of the alliance provides Finland with security. On the other hand, Finland provides security for the alliance. Finland is committed to the security of all NATO members and will be a reliable ally to strengthen regional stability.
“Finland’s membership is not directed against anyone. Nor does it change the foundations or objectives of Finland’s foreign and security policy. Finland is a stable and predictable Nordic country that seeks to resolve disputes peacefully.”
Ukraine war latest: Russia has no direct access to blogger’s ‘assassination’ story
The move is a strategic and political blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has long complained about NATO’s expansion into Russia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called Helsinki’s move to join the EU a “violation” of Russia’s security and said the NATO structure was hostile to Russia.
Analysis – What can new members offer NATO?
A ceremony was held outside the group’s Brussels headquarters to raise Finland’s blue and white flag among its partners.
It coincides with NATO’s birthday, the 74th anniversary of the signing of the Washington Treaty on April 4, 1949, which established it. It also coincided with a meeting of the alliance’s foreign ministers.
This is the first time to expand NATO Since North Macedonia joined the alliance in 2020.
read more:
Finnish PM Sanna Marin loses re-election bid
Finland begins construction of border fence with Russia
turkey It was the last of the 30 NATO members to accept Finland’s application, ending the country’s decades of military non-alignment. Documents formalizing Turkey’s decision were sent to U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken ahead of the ceremony.
Finland Mr Blinken was then given his own final text, making it a full member.
Türkiye is still blocking Sweden from joining NATO, The government says Stockholm has so far failed to adequately crack down on similar groups.
[ad_2]
Source link
