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Hungary's parliament backs Sweden's NATO bid

26.02.2024 19:00
Hungary's parliament on Monday voted to approve Sweden's NATO membership, removing the last obstacle for the Scandinavian nation to join the Western military alliance, news agencies reported.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson speaks at a press conference in Stockholm after Hungarys parliament voted to ratify Swedens NATO accession on Monday, February 26, 2024.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson speaks at a press conference in Stockholm after Hungary's parliament voted to ratify Sweden's NATO accession on Monday, February 26, 2024.Photo: EPA/MAGNUS LEJHALL

The Hungarian vote ended months of delays to complete Sweden's accession.

The move followed a visit to Budapest by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson during which Hungary and Sweden on Friday signed an arms deal, the Reuters news agency reported.

"Today is a historic day," Kristersson said on the X social media platform. "The parliaments of all NATO member states have now voted in favour of Swedish accession to NATO. Sweden stands ready to shoulder its responsibility for Euro-Atlantic security."

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Hungary's move in an X post.

He said: "I welcome the Hungarian parliament’s vote to ratify Swedn’s membership in NATO. Now that all Allies have approved, Sweden will become the 32nd NATO Ally. Sweden’s membership will make us all stronger and safer."

Sweden's accession will follow that of Finland, which joined NATO in April last year, becoming the Western military alliance’s 31st member in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, starting the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.

Monday is day 733 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters