"We will do everything we can to contribute to a swift and good accession process," says Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt.
On the Norwegian side, we welcome the applications of Sweden and Finland for NATO membership. NATO is a defensive alliance. The Nordic countries pose no threat to anyone. This will contribute to increased security that benefits the entire alliance, says the minister foreign affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.
Finland and Sweden applied for membership of NATO on May 18. After talks on membership in the alliance, NATO ambassadors will sign accession protocols for Finland and Sweden. In the further process, the membership of Finland and Sweden must be approved by the parliaments of all 30 member states.
- For our part, this means that the Storting must give its consent. I am glad that we can present this proposal today and ask the Storting for approval for Finland and Sweden to join NATO, says Huitfeldt.
The security of Finland and Sweden is important to our security. It is in Norway's interest to have a security policy with quick approval. This is why the government returns seek the prior consent of the Storting before NATO member states sign accession protocols.
– I very much appreciate that the parties in the Storting have made it clear that they also want this matter to be dealt with quickly. Finland and Sweden's membership in NATO will be NATO's strength, Nordic countries and Norway, says Huitfeldt.
On Friday, May 20, the prime minister adopted a royal resolution on signing the accession protocols of Finland and Sweden. This means that we, on the Norwegian side, are ready to sign the protocols as soon as accession talks are completed in NATO.
Read and learn more: Where to find inspiration for new hiking destinations in Norway?
