Finland's flag raised at NATO headquarters after its accession

After Finland's official admission to the North Atlantic Alliance as the 31st member of NATO, its flag was raised at the organization's headquarters in Brussels.

This was reported by Yevropeiska Pravda.

The raising of the flag at NATO headquarters symbolizes the completion of Finland's accession to the Alliance. The ceremony was accompanied by the anthems of Finland and NATO; in addition, Finnish flags were raised simultaneously in two strategic commands of the Alliance.

"From now on, 31 flags will fly as a symbol of our unity and solidarity," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at a press conference on Tuesday.

He emphasized that Finland, as a NATO member, will contribute "significant and highly capable armed forces." "Instead of 'less NATO', it has achieved the opposite - 'more NATO'. And our doors remain open," the Secretary-General emphasized.

For his part, Finnish President Sauli Niinistö expressed hope that the number of NATO members would increase from 31 to 32 "very quickly," hinting at Sweden's upcoming accession.

Author - Olena Madiak, 04/04/2023