AFPThe Swedish Prime Minister, NATO Chief and Swedish Crown Princess (middle three from left) at NATO Headquarters
NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 16:55
The Swedish flag was raised for the first time today at NATO headquarters in Brussels. Sweden was welcomed as the 32nd member of the alliance with an official ceremony. The country joined NATO on Thursday.
“We are raising the Swedish flag today with the broad support of our parliament and our people,” Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson said in the pouring rain. Next to him stood the Swedish Crown Princess Victoria and NATO chief Stoltenberg.
War Ukraine
The Russian invasion of Ukraine convinced Sweden to end decades of post-war neutrality. According to Kristersson, Sweden’s security has not been under such pressure since the Second World War as it is now. The Prime Minister emphasized that Russia will pose a serious threat to security in the West for a long time to come. According to him, joining NATO is “the only reasonable choice”.
“Sweden is safer inside NATO than outside,” said Secretary General Stoltenberg. “And NATO is also better off with Sweden there.” Sweden spends 2 percent of its gross domestic product on defense, in line with NATO guidelines, and has well-trained soldiers, according to Stoltenberg.
‘New Age’
Finland, which also joined NATO a year ago as a result of the Russian invasion, welcomed its neighbor to the military alliance on X: “Now we are at the beginning of a new era. Together and with other allies in peace, in crisis and beyond.”
The blue and yellow flag will also fly today at NATO command bases in Europe and America.
Swedish flag flies at NATO headquarters
2024-03-11 15:55:58
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