News: Secretary-General discusses Russian military build-up, NATO’s Open Door policy with Finland and Sweden, 24-Jan-2022
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Finland’s and Sweden’s close partnership with NATO on Monday (24 January 2022). He met with Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto and Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde at NATO Headquarters to discuss the current security situation, including Russia’s continued military build-up in and around Ukraine.
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Finland’s and Sweden’s close partnership with NATO on Monday (24 January 2022). He met with Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto and Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde at NATO Headquarters to discuss the current security situation, including Russia’s continued military build-up in and around Ukraine.
“The deteriorating security situation in Europe makes NATO’s cooperation and dialogue with Finland and Sweden even more important,said Mr. Stoltenberg.
The Secretary-General noted that Finland and Sweden are NATO’s closest partners and said: “we share the same values and we face the same challenges, in the Baltic Sea region and beyond.“NATO forces train, train and operate together with Finland and Sweden, and allies continue to exchange information and situational awareness with both countries.
On Ukraine, the Secretary-General said: “the risk of conflict remains real and we continue to urge Russia to de-escalate and choose the path of diplomacy. NATO is a defensive alliance, which does not threaten Russia or any other country, but we will always do what is necessary to protect and defend all our allies, and I welcome the fact that allies are taking the step.”
Stoltenberg stressed that NATO is still ready to continue the dialogue with Russia, but that the alliance will not compromise on core principles, such as the right of each nation to choose its own alliances. He said: “NATO’s door is still open. While NATO works closely with Finland and Sweden, we fully respect your strong and independent security policy. Only Finland and Sweden will decide your path. Not Russia. Not anyone else. Sovereign nations have the right to self-determination.”