NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg assured Finland and Sweden of NATO’s support while the ratification process continues, speaking at a news conference after NATO’s allies signed an accession protocol for the two countries.
"The security of Finland and Sweden is important for our alliance, including during the ratification process," Stoltenberg stressed.
"Many allies have already made clear commitments to Finland's and Sweden's security, and NATO has increased our presence in the region, including with more exercises," he said. The secretary general urged all NATO member countries to ratify these protocols as soon as possible to ensure an early admission.
Earlier on Tuesday, NATO Ambassadors signed the Accession Protocols for Finland and Sweden at NATO Headquarters in the presence of Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto and Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, TASS reports.