Statement by President Joe Biden welcoming Finland to NATO
April 4, 2023
Today I am proud to say that Finland is the 31stSt allies.
74 years ago today, when the United States and 11 other nations formed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, President Truman said, “If anything is inevitable in the future, it is the will of the peoples of the world for liberty and for peace.” Today this will is stronger than ever with Finland’s admission to NATO.
In May 2022, Finland and Sweden applied for NATO membership. Both countries are strong democracies with highly capable militaries who share our values and vision for the world. Less than a year later, we welcome Finland as a member – the fastest ratification process in NATO’s modern history. I look forward to welcoming Sweden as a NATO member as soon as possible and encourage Turkiye and Hungary to complete their ratification procedures without delay.
When Putin launched his brutal war of aggression against the people of Ukraine, he thought he could divide Europe and NATO. He was wrong. Today we are more united than ever. And together – strengthened by our newest ally, Finland – we will continue to uphold transatlantic security, defend every inch of NATO territory and face whatever challenges we face.
