(ANSA) - WASHINGTON, MAY 19 - "There is no doubt that Natooggi is as important, effective and necessary as ever", and at the same time its enlargement "is not a threat to any nation": said Joe Biden in a press conference held at the White House with Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and Finnish President Sauli Niinisto.
For Bidenla, NATO is "an indispensable alliance" for peace and a free world.
"I offer strong support for joining the most powerful Alliance in the world to Sweden and Finland", which "meet all the criteria" for membership, the US president added.
"It is a historic moment".
Biden then said: "
"We have been forced to respond to Russian aggression," the Swedish premier said at the joint press conference, announcing that her country will soon reach the 2% of GDP threshold for military spending.
The Finnish president from his side said: "It is a pleasure and an honor to be here: we are here for a good reason, namely our request for NATO membership".
He then thanked Biden for "his firm support.
Finland will become a strong NATO ally".
(HANDLE).
