“Finland and Sweden concluded on July 4 negotiations on joining NATO in accordance with the agreement at the NATO summit in Madrid.
Both countries have officially confirmed their desire and ability to fulfill the political, legal and military obligations provided by NATO membership, ”the statement says.
It is specified that after the completion of the negotiations, the allies must sign on July 5 the protocols on the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO.
After that, the protocols will be sent for ratification to all NATO countries in accordance with their national procedures.
On June 29, the leaders of the member countries of the alliance decided to invite Sweden and Finland to become members of the military association.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced the signing of a protocol on the accession of Sweden and Finland to the alliance on July 5.