“The accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO is important for these countries.
Just look at the map and you will understand that they will change the whole situation in the Baltic region.
They will cover the Baltic countries - Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia, and will also allow us to strengthen our presence in this part of the world, ”TASS quotes Stoltenberg.
He also called the upcoming entry of Sweden and Finland into the alliance a signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"This is a signal to President Putin that NATO's door will remain open to new countries," Stoltenberg said.
Earlier, Finnish President Sauli Niinistö's office said Turkey would support Finland and Sweden's NATO membership at the Madrid summit this week.