Biden to meet Stoltenberg at WH; Finland & Sweden’s NATO bid, Russia-Ukraine war in focus
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who is on an official visit to the United States, will meet with US President Joe Biden on Thursday 2 June. According to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, the duo will hold White House meetings with U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. It is expected that both – Bidean and Stoltenberg – will discuss the Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing quarrel over Sweden and Finland joining the NATO alliance. Earlier on Wednesday, Stoltenberg met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, where the former thanked the United States for its increased military presence throughout Europe, with more than 100,000 soldiers backed by significant air and naval forces.
Stoltenberg called the decision of Finland and Sweden to apply for NATO membership “historic” and said that both countries will strengthen the military alliance. “We must address the security concerns of all Allies, and I am convinced that we will find a united path forward,” he said. Stoltenberg further claimed that he was in contact with the Turkish president regarding his concerns regarding Sweden and Finland’s accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The NATO chief stated that he would meet with officials from Sweden, Finland and Turkey in Brussels in the coming days.
“To this end, I am in close contact with Turkish President Erdoğan and with the leaders of Finland and Sweden. And I will convene senior officials from all three countries in Brussels in the coming days,” Stoltenberg added.
Turkey blocks Finland’s and Sweden’s NATO offers
Last month, the NATO chief accepted both Sweden’s and Finland’s membership applications for fear of Russia’s intention to harm the Nordic countries. However, Turkey, which had previously warned against obstructing Sweden’s and Finland’s plans, blocked the initial process of the US-backed military alliance. At the same time as Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan reacted to their actions against the countries, he called on NATO allies to respect and support Ankara’s concerns for its security. “We see that there is no such attitude towards us,” he said. Previously, it was speculated that the approval of the first stage of Finland’s and Sweden’s application would be completed within one or two weeks, but Turkey’s move has made it almost “impossible”.
Image: NATO