Finland’s NATO Representative Klaus Korhonen and Sweden’s NATO Representative Axel Wernhoff met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels, Belgium. Korhonen and Wernhoff delivered their application documents to Stoltenberg on live broadcast. Stoltenberg, who received the application documents from NATO representatives, said: “Every nation has the right to choose its own path. You, too, made your choice after a long democratic process. I welcome the requests of Finland and Sweden to join NATO.”

Stating that both countries are close partners of NATO, Stoltenberg said, “Your membership in NATO will strengthen our common security. Your application today is a historic step. The Allies will evaluate your next steps on the way to NATO.”

Stating that all allies agree on NATO’s enlargement, Stoltenberg said, “We all agree that we should stand together.”