U.S. President Joe Biden has met with the leaders of both Sweden and Finland as the two Nordic nations move forward with their NATO memberships
The President is offering full administrative support from his country, as fellow member Turkey warns it will block any attempt by either country to join the alliance.
Sweden’s Prime Minister and Finland’s President joined Biden in the White House Rose Garden, standing in front of each nation’s flag in a public sign of solidarity.
The U.S. leader says the addition of Finland and Sweden will make NATO stronger.
The Biden administration begun submitting paperwork to Congress for approval once Finland and Sweden gave the go ahead.
But Turkey is expressing strong opposition to the alliance expansion, requesting Sweden to halt support for Kurdish militants and asking both applicants to lift their bans on some arms sales with the opposing nation.
All 30 NATO members need to approve any new entrant, making Turkey’s approval critical.
Finland’s President says his government is open to discussing all Turkey’s concerns, all in an attempt to strengthen transatlantic security.
Sweden’s Prime Minister says now more than ever, it’s great to be supported by close allies.
