05.16.22

Leader McConnell and Senators Collins, Cornyn, and Barrasso Meet With Leaders of Sweden and Finland

HELSINKI, FI – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement this morning:

“Senators Collins, Cornyn, Barrasso, and I just concluded visits to Sweden and Finland and are on our way back home.

“It was a special honor to visit both these strong, proud nations during the exact days when both countries’ governments were concluding their deliberations and preparing to formally move forward with joining NATO.

“Sweden and Finland already have long track records as two of the United States’ and NATO’s most capable friends and partners, even from outside the alliance. Both countries have massive geographic importance, professional and well-equipped armed forces, strong military industrial bases, and significant interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces. Both nations’ robust commitments to defense funding mean that their accession would directly address longstanding concerns about burden-sharing and the financial contributions of our allies. Finland and Sweden would bring tremendous value as new NATO members and would strengthen the alliance significantly.

“I gave both the Swedish and Finnish leaders my personal assurance that I would fully support their NATO accession. As Senate Republican Leader, I would do everything in my power to ensure that our part of their accession process moves smoothly and expeditiously.”

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