Biden calls on Turkey and Hungary to ratify Sweden's application after Finland's accession to NATO

In his statement on the White House website, Biden recalled that in May 2022, Finland and Sweden applied to join NATO, and both countries are strong democracies with highly capable armies that share Western values and a vision of the world.

"Less than a year later, we are welcoming Finland as a member—the fastest ratification process in NATO’s modern history. I look forward to welcoming Sweden as a NATO member as soon as possible, and encourage Turkiye and Hungary to conclude their ratification processes without delay," Biden said.

He also noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin made a mistake when he launched his brutal war of aggression against the people of Ukraine and believed that he could divide Europe and NATO.

"Today, we are more united than ever. And together—strengthened by our newest Ally Finland—we will continue to preserve transatlantic security, defend every inch of NATO territory, and meet any and all challenges we face," the US president added.

• Finland on Tuesday became the 31st member of NATO after handing over its instrument of ratification to the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who is the official representative of Washington, DC, where the Alliance's depository is located. This step completed the official accession procedure.