Biden additionally praised Finland and Sweden, saying each have “strong democratic institutions.

Washington:

President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed US ratification of bids by Finland and Sweden to enter NATO, taking expansion of the Western alliance in response to Russia’s Ukraine invasion one step closer.

Biden said the two northern European countries would become “robust, dependable extremely succesful new allies” by making the “sacred dedication” to mutual defense in the US-led transatlantic alliance.

Earlier this month, the Senate voted 95-1 in favor of the Nordic states’ accession, making the United States the 23rd of the 30 NATO countries to give formal endorsement. Unanimous support is needed for new membership.

Biden, who has made restoring traditional US alliances a cornerstone of his administration after Donald Trump’s move to upend ties around the world, praised NATO as “the muse of American safety.”

“The United States is dedicated to the transatlantic alliance.”

Biden also praised Finland and Sweden, saying both have “robust democratic establishments, robust militaries and robust and clear economies” that would now bolster NATO.

President Vladimir Putin’s Russia “shattered peace and safety in Europe” by invading Ukraine, Biden said. “Putin thought he may break us aside…. Instead, he’s getting precisely what he didn’t need.”

The White House said that ahead of the signing ceremony, Biden talked by telephone with Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and Finland’s President Sauli Niinisto.

“President Biden congratulated them on the US Senate’s swift, bipartisan ratification of their NATO accession protocols, and welcomed Finland and Sweden shifting one step nearer to changing into NATO Allies,” the White House said.

While the process plays out, “President Biden affirmed that the United States will work with Finland and Sweden to stay vigilant in opposition to any threats to our shared safety, and to discourage and confront aggression or risk of aggression,” the assertion mentioned.

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