Biden to host Sweden, Finland leaders on NATO applications

WASHINGTON

US President Joe Biden will host Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and Finland's President Sauli Niinisto regarding their bid to join NATO, the White House said Tuesday.

During the meeting Thursday, "the leaders will discuss Finland’s and Sweden’s NATO applications and European security, as well as strengthening our close partnerships across a range of global issues and support for Ukraine," it said.

Sweden’s government signed a formal request to join NATO on Tuesday, while Finland’s parliament is expected to hold a vote later in the day on the country’s application for NATO membership.

For any new member to join NATO, all of its members must unanimously agree, including Turkiye.

Turkiye, a longstanding NATO member, has voiced objections to Finland and Sweden’s membership bids, criticizing the two Nordic countries for tolerating and even supporting terror groups like the YPG/PKK.