NATO chief wants Sweden, Finland in alliance ‘soon’ — but can’t guarantee it

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg “aims” to get Finland and Sweden into the military alliance “soon” despite Turkey’s objections, but cautioned that he “cannot guarantee” the swift timeline, Report informs, citing POLITICO.

Speaking at a POLITICO event on Wednesday, the NATO chief indicated that while negotiations between the three countries are still underway, no solution had been found yet, less than a week before a highly anticipated summit kicks off in Madrid.

“My aim is still to make sure that they [Sweden and Finland] can join soon,” Stoltenberg said. “I cannot guarantee, but I’m saying that’s still my aim.”

“This is not the first time we see one or just a few allies is not agreeing with the rest,” Stoltenberg said, expressing optimism that Ankara’s opposition will not prevent Helsinki and Stockholm from eventually joining.