04.04.23

McConnell Welcomes Finland into NATO

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today regarding Finland’s accession into NATO:

“The Republic of Finland’s accession into NATO is outstanding news that further strengthens what is already the most successful alliance in the history of the human race. I am happy to welcome Finland to this trans-Atlantic Alliance and I congratulate the Finnish people, President Niinistö, and NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg on this historic occasion.

“Russia’s brutal escalation of its war against Ukraine has prompted leaders across Europe to get more serious about collective defense. But the people of Finland have long been ahead of the curve. Their advanced economy, their existing substantial arsenal of sophisticated and interoperable Western arms, and their already-proven commitment to seriously investing in their own defense make the Finns a strong addition to NATO from day one. The Alliance is significantly stronger than it was yesterday.

“I hope and expect that NATO will also welcome Sweden into the Alliance by the Vilnius summit this summer. The addition of both these strong Nordic allies will bolster the ranks of freedom and stability and even further strengthen the free world’s unwavering commitment to collective defense. 

“At a time when threats to the West are gathering and growing across the world, the United States and all NATO allies must redouble our efforts to improve our defenses, rebuild our defense-industrial bases, and strengthen our military capabilities. It is only strength and resolve that will deter those who wish us harm.”

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Related Issues: National Security, NATO