NATO Secretary General welcomed the announcement by Finland’s president and prime minister that they will support the country’s bid for membership in the military alliance.

“Should Finland decide to apply, they would be warmly welcomed into NATO, and the accession process would be smooth and swift”, - Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement, welcoming the decision of President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin.

“Finland is one of NATO’s closest partners, a mature democracy, a member of the European Union, and an important contributor to Euro-Atlantic security. NATO membership would strengthen both NATO and Finland"s security”, - said the Secretary General.