Ottawa: Canada has become the first country to formally ratify Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO on Tuesday after member nations NATO allies signed the accession protocols.
The move brought Finland and Sweden a step closer to joining the alliance.
In the wake of the February invasion of neighboring Ukraine and the ensuing military conflict, the move has fueled efforts to strategically isolate Russia.
“This is truly a historic moment for Finland, Sweden and NATO,” said Jens Stoltenberg, NATO’s secretary general.
The alliance made the historic decision to invite Russia’s neighbors Finland and Sweden to join the military club. Despite the agreement in the alliance, member Turkey could still create difficulties in the final inclusion of Sweden and Finland in NATO.