The news that Sweden, Finland and Turkey have signed an agreement and that the Nordic countries can finally gain status as invited to the defense alliance is receiving great international attention and is met with a unanimous welcome from several of NATO's leaders.
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson was quick to welcome the news.
“Fantastic news when we start the NATO summit.
The membership of Sweden and Finland will make our brilliant alliance stronger and more secure ", he writes on Twitter.
The President of the United States sends congratulations.
"Congratulations to Finland, Sweden and Turkey for signing a Memorandum of Understanding - a crucial step towards Finland's and Sweden's NATO invitation, which will strengthen our alliance and strengthen our collective security," Joe Biden wrote on Twitter.
"Good news"
The Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte writes:
Good news at the beginning of the NATO summit in Madrid.
Thanks to Turkey giving the green light, we are one step closer to Finland's and Sweden's accession to NATO. ”
Similar praise comes from Denmark:
“Fantastic news!
Fantastic start to a crucial NATO summit.
The Nordic countries are united in NATO.
Good luck to Finland and Sweden ", says Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in a statement.
"Historic day"
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre also discusses Nordic co-operation.
"This is a historic day.
With Sweden and Finland in NATO, we will have an even stronger alliance in Europe.
It has never been more important.
For us in Norway, this means safer and stronger defense co-operation with our Nordic neighbors, ”he writes on Twitter.