Joe Biden welcomed Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and Finnish President Sauli Niinistö this Thursday, May 19, to demonstrate, once again, his enthusiastic support for the two countries' membership of NATO.
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The American president welcomed the two leaders to the White House with great respect: red carpet, soldiers in ceremonial uniforms and flags.
After posing for the photographers, he led them through the White House Rose Garden to the Oval Office.
All three are due to speak to the press a little later.
Washington is working to support Finland and Sweden, which have decided to join the Atlantic defense alliance, marking a historic break with their position of non-alignment.
The obstacle soon lifted
Shaken by the invasion of Ukraine, Stockholm and Helsinki have chosen to place themselves under the military protection of other European countries and especially the Americans, against Russia.
In Washington, the green light from Congress should be a formality as the political class is almost unanimous.
But Turkey is waving the threat of a veto to this enlargement.
The Biden administration assures that this obstacle will be removed, thanks in particular to American mediation efforts.
Read also NATO membership: after cutting off electricity in Helsinki, Moscow evokes other reprisals
In the meantime, Washington has let it be known that the two candidates already benefit from American military protection, without giving the exact outlines.
“
While their applications for NATO membership are considered, the United States will work with Finland and Sweden to remain vigilant against any threat to our common security, and to deter and respond to any aggression or threats of 'aggression
,' Joe Biden said on Wednesday.
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