Sweden To “Soon” Join NATO, Claims US President Joe Biden

Sweden will “soon” join NATO, signaled US President Joe Biden on Thursday. His statement making the prediction came days after he signalled at a potential deal to evade Turkey’s opposition to allowing the Scandinavian country into the North Atlantic alliance.

While talking to journalists at the US Air Force Academy, he said that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made effort to pull back from opposing Sweden to join NATO, in reference to the leaders’ talk on the issue on Monday, as he reiterated Ankara’s ambition to purchase F-16 fighter fighters from the United States.

In spite of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attempt to sabotage the alliance with his invasion of Ukraine, Biden claimed in his commencement address that NATO is stronger. He added that the most recent accession of Finland has strengthened it and “soon, Sweden” will boost it further. He added, “It will happen, I promise you.”

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken encouraged Turkey on Tuesday to complete Sweden’s NATO membership right away, noting that Sweden has already made great progress in resolving Ankara’s concerns.

Despite severe difficulties in the relationship, Biden made it clear that the United States will not deter from the challenge provided by China. He said, “The United States does not seek conflict or confrontation with China. China and the United States should be able to work together where we can to solve some global challenges, like climate.”

He continued, “But we are prepared for vigorous competition,” adding that the United States would defend its interests as well as those of its allies.

The president highlighted American backing for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. He said, “The American people’s support for Ukraine will not waver.”