Germany's Scholz meets Dutch royals, PM Rutte

German Chancellor and Dutch Prime Minister welcomed Sweden and Finland's applications to NATO and expressed confidence that they would be approved despite Turkish opposition.

The pair met in The Hague to discuss the situation in Ukraine and energy concerns, in German Chancellor’s first visit to neighboring Netherlands.

Both leaders indicated optimism that the Nordic countries would join the military alliance, but did not explain how other alliance members could overcome opposition by NATO member Turkey.