Sweden has officially joined NATO, becoming the alliance’s second new member after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
BBC News reports:
The handover of documents took place at a ceremony two years after Sweden applied to join the military alliance following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that “unity and solidarity” would be Sweden’s “guiding lights”.
“Good things come to those who wait,” US Secretary of State Blinken said.
“Our defensive alliance is now stronger and larger than it’s ever been,” he added, thanking Sweden for its “resilience”.
“This has been a little bit of a road but we’ve known from day one that we would be here one day,” Blinken remarked.
Today’s ceremony comes after months of delays caused by the Hungarian government, the last NATO member to approve Sweden’s bid.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban signed a deal to purchase Saab JAS Gripen fighter jets from Sweden before Hungary’s ratification of Sweden’s membership last week.
As part of the agreement, Prime Minister Kristersson promised that Saab would construct an AI research facility in Hungary.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
READ NEXT: Trump-Endorsed Candidate Wanted For Murder
