Outgoing Albanian President Ilir Meta signed on Sunday (10 July) the protocol for the membership of Sweden and Finland to NATO.
The two countries recently applied to join the alliance following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. As a NATO member, the agreement of Albania is required for ratification of the process.
“The membership of these friendly counties is definitely a historical development and a major strategic change which is supported at every step by Albania,” Meta said.
His decree relates to two laws, one on the ratification of the protocol of the North Atlantic Treaty for the Accession of the Republic of Finland and one on the Kingdom of Sweden.
“We are convinced that their membership will influence the strengthening of the joint contribution to this alliance. Together we stand stronger!” he said.
Finland and Sweden submitted their application to join the Alliance in May, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, thus ending decades of neutrality.
The two countries faced considerable opposition by Turkey that alleged that Sweden and Finland have lent their support to entities that threaten the security of Turkey, including the Kurdistan Workers’ Party.
Following several weeks of negotiations, they reached a deal to address Turkey’s security concerns and lift restrictions on arms sales.
