ALBAWABA- Sweden formally became the 32nd member of NATO on Thursday, marking a significant departure from its post-World War II neutrality stance, as the Associated Press reported.
The move comes amidst heightened fears of Russian aggression in Europe, fueled by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
At a ceremony presided over by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Sweden's "instrument of accession" to NATO was deposited at the State Department.
Blinken hailed the occasion as historic, emphasizing the strengthened bond between Sweden and the transatlantic alliance.
Later, Kristersson is set to visit the White House and attend President Joe Biden's State of the Union address to Congress as a guest of honor.
The White House lauded Sweden's NATO membership, stating that it will enhance the security of the United States and its allies.
Biden is expected to highlight Sweden's accession to NATO as a rebuff to Russian President Vladimir Putin's attempts to undermine the alliance, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Sweden's NATO membership faced delays due to objections from Turkey and Hungary. Turkey expressed concerns over Sweden's handling of Kurdish groups it deems as terrorists, while Hungary's President Viktor Orban displayed pro-Russian sentiments.
However, after months of delay, both countries ratified Sweden's admission, clearing the way for its formal inclusion in NATO.
