Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the statement below after the Senate voted to ratify Finland and Sweden as members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
“Finland and Sweden’s decision to join NATO is a testament to the continued strength of this great alliance. Our nation, and my state of Minnesota in particular, shares a special bond with Finland and Sweden, guided by our common values of human rights, democracy and freedom. Both countries are already among our closest partners on a range of critical issues, from deepening defense cooperation in the Baltic Sea to supporting the brave people of Ukraine against the inhuman barbarism of Vladimir Putin. The two nations’ commitment to peace and stability and their defense capabilities will boost NATO’s ability to tackle pressing geopolitical challenges, particularly in the increasingly important Arctic region.
“Finland and Sweden becoming NATO members will not only bolster our collective security, but also strengthen the cause of freedom in Europe and across the world. By ratifying their accession into NATO with overwhelming bipartisan support, we are making it clear that our commitment to this vital transatlantic alliance is steadfast.”
Klobuchar spoke on the Senate floor earlier today, voicing her strong support for Finland and Sweden’s application to join NATO. Video of her floor speech is available for TV download HERE and for online viewing HERE.
Klobuchar has been a staunch champion for strengthening America’s ties to its European allies. In May, she held an event at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis with Honorary Consul General of Finland Elaine Kumpula and Honorary Consul General of Sweden Bruce Karstadt, expressing her support for Finland and Sweden’s plan to join NATO.
Earlier that month, Klobuchar and a bipartisan group of Senators met with Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and Finnish President Sauli Niinistö to highlight the widespread American support for the two nations’ decision to join NATO.
At a Munich Security Conference panel in February, Klobuchar joined President Niinistö and other international leaders to highlight the importance of U.S.-European unity and cooperation on security challenges, including defending Ukraine and Europe against Russian aggression.
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