Turkey supports the possibility of Finland and Sweden joining NATO

In the evening before the summit began, it became clear that Turkey, Sweden and Finland had reached an agreement that would allow the two Nordic countries to join NATO.

- It is a great day for NATO and the Nordic region. The membership of Finland and Sweden in NATO will be important for stability and security in the Nordic region and the beginning of a new era in Nordic defense cooperation. Together with Sweden and Finland, we will also have a stronger NATO, says Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The President of Ukraine will take part in the summit digitally

Together with Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt and Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram will take part in the summit.

Russia's aggressive war with Ukraine provides a grim and serious backdrop to the summit. Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky will take part in the summit digitally at the beginning of the summit.

- Ukraine fights for its independence and democracy. We support Ukraine in the fight for values ​​that we, Norwegians, also value very much. As a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in Europe, there are serious shocks in the security policy. Of course, this will have a huge impact on NATO, says Støre.

NATO's new strategic concept

At the summit, leaders of NATO member states will discuss important and long-term issues consequences for Norway's security and allies. NATO's new strategic concept strengthens collective defense and concentration on the Alliance's immediate areas.

- It is positive and important from the Norwegian point of view. NATO must have a credible defense and deterrence capability. That is why it is right now to strengthen the allied presence in the eastern NATO member states. At the same time, it is important to maintain the necessary channels of communication with Russia to avoid confusion and escalation, says Støre.

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The strategic concept of NATO is the most important document governing the alliance. It is a roadmap of priorities and goals for the next 5-10 years. The current concept is from 2010.

- It is important that NATO adapts and takes new security challenges seriously. NATO is focusing more and more on new and breakthrough technologies, cyberspace, space capabilities and the security implications of climate change. This is both important and appropriate for a future-oriented alliance, says Støre.

Photo: Chancellery of the Prime Minister

Source: regjeringen

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