Berlin, 16 May 2022 (TDI): The informal meeting of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Ministers of Foreign Affairs has been concluded in Berlin.
Firstly, the Deputy Secretary-General of NATO, Mircea Geoană pointed out the priorities of the informal meeting in Berlin, Germany.
Thanks to #Germany for hosting #NATO‘s first informal #FMM. Constructive discussions on the historic importance of #Finland & # Sweden potential membership bids, our support for #Ukraine’s self defence against #Russia & how #NATO must continue to adapt at the #MadridSummit. pic.twitter.com/T0cmYTONfc
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) May 15, 2022
The meeting included constructive discussions on the historic importance of Finland and Sweden’s potential membership bids, support for Ukraine’s self-defense against Russia, and how NATO must continue to adapt at the Madrid Summit.
The talks mostly focused on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as well as Sweden and Finland’s potential for NATO membership.
Sweden and Finland’s bid to join NATO
According to the Deputy General, they are at a time whereby there are significant changes in European security. As a result, the Deputy-General highlighted Sweden and Finland’s bid to join NATO and said they are aware of the processes taking place in both countries.
“Yesterday evening, we were joined by the Swedish and Finnish Foreign Ministers. We know and fully respect the democratic processes taking place in these two vibrant democracies.
If they will decide to seek membership, I am confident that Allies will look constructively and positively for their membership into this Alliance,” said Geoană.
Furthermore, also the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and the NATO foreign ministers planned to discuss Finland’s leaders’ application to join NATO with no delay.
Consequently, the United States (US) said it supports both Sweden and Finland’s applications to join their security alliance.
Situation in Ukraine
More to this, the meeting between the Ministers involved discussions about the situation on the ground in Ukraine. Also, coordination of efforts so as to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine and weapons for Ukraine to defend itself.
Additionally, the invasion of Ukraine has led to a rise in food prices and is raising the threat of famine in various parts of the world.
