Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2024

March 7, 2024

Today I am honored to welcome Sweden as NATO's 32nd ally.

Seventy-five years ago, when the United States and 11 other nations came together to establish the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, President Truman said the alliance "would create a shield against aggression and fear of aggression." Today that shieldâand transatlantic securityâis stronger than ever with the formal addition of Sweden to NATO.

When Putin launched his brutal war of aggression against the people of Ukraine, he thought he could weaken Europe and divide NATO. Instead, in May 2022, Sweden and Finlandâtwo of our close partners, with two highly capable militariesâmade the historic decision to apply for full NATO membership. Alliance members ratified Finland's membership last year ahead of our historic summit in Vilnius. And, with the addition of Sweden today, NATO stands more united, determined, and dynamic than everânow 32 nations strong.

Today we once more reaffirm that our shared democratic valuesâand our willingness to stand up for themâis what makes NATO the greatest military alliance in the history of the world. It is what draws nations to our cause. It is what underpins our unity. And together with our newest ally, Sweden, NATO will continue to stand for freedom and democracy for generations to come. I look forward to hosting all 32 allies for the 75th anniversary NATO summit this summer in Washington, DC.

NOTE: The statement referred to President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin of Russia.

Categories: Statements by the President : Sweden, North Atlantic Treaty Organization accession. Names: Putin, Vladimir Vladimirovich.

Subjects: North Atlantic Treaty Organization; Finland, North Atlantic Treaty Organization accession; Russia, conflict in Ukraine; Russia, President; Sweden, North Atlantic Treaty Organization accession; Ukraine, Russian invasion and airstrikes.

DCPD Number: DCPD202400169.

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