NATO says Finland, Sweden apply to join

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday "warmly" welcomed requests by Sweden and Finland to join the bloc, describing it as an historic moment.Stoltenberg confirmed on Wednesday that Finland and Sweden had officially applied to join the world’s biggest military alliance.The applications must now be weighed by the 30 member countries

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General said "This is a good day at a critical moment for our security. Thank you so much for handing over the applications for Finland's and Sweden's membership in NATO. Every nation has the right to choose its own path. You have both made your choice after thorough democratic processes and I warmly welcome the requests by Finland and Sweden to join NATO".

That process is expected to take about two weeks, although Turkish President Recep Tayyip has expressed reservations about Finland and Sweden joining.