By Caribbean News Global 
BRUSSELS, Belgium – On the 74th anniversary of NATO, Finland is NATO’s 31st Ally, “Finland is stronger and safer within the Alliance, and the Alliance is stronger and safer with Finland as its Ally,” declared, Antony J. Blinken, US Secretary of State.
On the formal invitation on behalf of all the Allies for the Republic of Finland to accede to the North Atlantic Treaty, (NATO) secretary Blinken, noted, “With receipt of this Instrument of Accession, we can now declare that Finland is the 31st member of the North Atlantic Treaty,” at NATO Headquarters.
In reply Pekka Haavisto, minister for foreign affairs of Finland, said: “And since we are now a member of NATO, we have a very important task. And the task is actually to give you for the deposit and also our ratification for Swedish membership. This is our first act as a member state.”
In a press statement on Finland’s Accession to NATO, US Department of State, noted:
“Finland has a highly capable military and has been an active participant in NATO-led operations; it also shares our values and strong democratic institutions. We are confident Finland’s membership will strengthen our collective defense and enhance our ability to respond to security challenges in the Euro-Atlantic area.”
US Department of State, continued:
“Russia’s further invasion into Ukraine last year precipitated the very thing president Putin wanted to avoid: a stronger, more unified, Transatlantic Alliance. Sweden is also a strong and capable partner that is ready to join NATO. We encourage Türkiye and Hungary to ratify the accession protocols for Sweden without delay so we can welcome Sweden into the Alliance as soon as possible.
“NATO has helped maintain peace and stability in Europe for over 70 years. It has also played a critical role in promoting stability and the international rules-based order around the world. Finland’s membership in the Alliance will advance these shared goals.”
