Putin's reaction to Finland's intention to join NATO 2:22
(CNN) ––
Finland's parliament has voted to apply for NATO membership.
"Parliament supports Finland's application for NATO membership," the legislative body's official account posted on Twitter.
"Parliament adopted the position in accordance with the report of the Foreign Affairs Committee after a vote in favor of 188-8," the message added.
Finland to apply to join NATO, abandoning decades of neutrality despite threats of retaliation from Russia
On Sunday, Finland's government announced it would apply to join NATO, abandoning decades of neutrality and ignoring Russian threats of possible retaliation as the Nordic country tries to strengthen its security after the start of the war in Ukraine.
At the time, alongside President Sauli Niinistö, Prime Minister Sanna Marin explained that parliament had to ratify the measure before Finland could formally apply for NATO membership.
That ratification took place this Tuesday.
What you need to know about Finland, Sweden and NATO
Moments before the vote of the Finnish Parliament was known, the White House published a statement in which it announced that President Joe Biden would meet with the leaders of that country and Sweden, in a key meeting while the two nations seek their entry into NATO.
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"Biden will welcome Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson of Sweden and President Sauli Niinistö of Finland to the White House," press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.
ANALYSIS |
What can happen if Finland joins NATO
According to the statement, the leaders "will discuss Finland's and Sweden's NATO applications and European security, as well as strengthening our close partnerships on a variety of global issues and support for Ukraine."
With reporting from CNN's Tara John, Chandler Thornton and Kyle Blaine.
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