NATO Secretary General with Prime Minister of Sweden ???????? Ulf Kristersson, 11 MAR 2024

Joint press statements by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg with the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, 11 March 2024.

???? | NATO Secretary General:

Prime Minister Kristersson, dear Ulf. It is an honour to welcome you to today to the NATO Headquarters because this is truly an historic day.

In a few moments, we will raise the Swedish flag here at the NATO Headquarters, and all over the Alliance, and welcome your country as the thirty-second member of NATO.

Sweden has taken its rightful place at NATO’s table under the shield of Article 5 protection - the ultimate guarantee of our freedom and security. All for one and one for all.

Joining NATO is good for Sweden, good for stability in the North and good for the security of our whole Alliance.

Sweden has long been a partner. Now you are an Ally with all the benefits and responsibilities that this brings.

Sweden has cutting-edge capabilities, first-class armed forces and defence industry, and spends more than 2 percent of GDP on defence.

As we speak, Swedish troops are taking part in Steadfast Defender - NATO’s biggest military exercise since the Cold War. A demonstration of our unity and our resolve.

In response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, NATO has substantially increased our presence across the Alliance and Sweden’s membership enhances this even further.

When President Putin launched his full-scale invasion two years ago, he wanted less NATO and more control over his neighbours. He wanted to destroy Ukraine as a sovereign state. But he failed.

NATO is bigger and stronger. Ukraine is closer to NATO membership than ever before and as the brave Ukrainians continue to fight for their freedom, we stand by their side.

Allies continue to announce billions of dollars in new aid including Sweden’s largest package yet – covering ammunition, air defences, and combat boats.

Our support to Ukraine saves lives and it must continue.

President Putin started this war and he could end it today but Ukraine does not have this option. Surrender is not peace.

We must continue to strengthen Ukraine to show President Putin that he will not get what he wants on the battlefield but must sit down and negotiate a solution where Ukraine is recognised and prevails as a sovereign, independent nation.

So Prime Minister Kristersson, thank you for your personal leadership.

Broad support across the political spectrum in Sweden has made this day possible.

After more than 200 years of neutrality, you are joining the strongest and most successful military alliance in history.

So welcome to NATO, it’s great to have you here.

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