PV Staff
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered what he called strong support to the decision of Finland and Sweden to pursue NATO membership in a statement from his office in Ottawa today.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Alliance is one of the most powerful entities in the world.
“Canada strongly supports Finland and Sweden’s decision to pursue NATO membership. As a close friend and security partner, Canada will support Finland and Sweden through the accession process, including against threats to their security.
“Canada will continue to support the principles that have kept the countries on both sides of the Atlantic safe, free, and prosperous for over 70 years.
“Finland and Sweden are the Alliance’s closest and most active security and defence partners. They share the Alliance’s commitment to upholding the rules-based international system and are committed to the principles of state sovereignty and territorial integrity. Their militaries are highly qualified and capable, and we have full confidence in the ability of both countries to integrate rapidly into NATO.
“Canada has long been a champion of NATO’s Open Door Policy for any European country in a position to advance the commitments and obligations of membership and contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area. It is Finland and Sweden’s sovereign right to choose their own security arrangements, and we wholeheartedly endorse their application without reservation. We underscore that NATO is a defensive Alliance and does not seek confrontation, nor pose any threat to any country,” Trudeau said in the statement.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed similar sentiments in London today.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened severe reprisals on any other European country joins NATO. He has attacked Ukraine because of that country wants to join NATO.
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