NATO offers security guarantees if Sweden applies to join alliance

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg says they will find solutions for security needs that Sweden will have in transitional period

By Atila Altuntas

STOCKHOLM (AA) - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday that if Sweden applies for membership in the alliance, it will provide protection until it becomes a member.

Speaking to Swedish public broadcaster SVT, Stoltenberg discussed Sweden's possible NATO membership.

He said NATO will increase its presence around Sweden’s borders and in the Baltic Sea while its application to join the alliance is processed, adding he believes that they will find solutions for the security needs Sweden will have in the transitional period.

According to the Swedish newspaper Expressen, Sweden and Finland will apply for NATO membership on May 17-21.

Russia previously warned Sweden and Finland against joining NATO, saying the move would have negative consequences for peace and stability in Northern Europe.

*Writing by Seda Sevencan

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