STOCKHOLM (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 11th April, 2019) Finnish President Sauli Niinisto believes that NATO's mere readiness to accept a new country already serves as a means of defense for the potential member, but Helsinki's decision whether to join the alliance will depend on geopolitical situation.
"This issue [regarding Finland's possible accession to NATO] is widely discussed. If the door [to NATO] is open, this is already a defense means," the president said in an interview with the Dagens Nyeheter newspaper.
The Finnish leader added that the country was not rushing to become a member of the alliance.
"I would not like to speculate about this issue, but, of course, we will be watching Sweden and the way global politics develop," Niinisto said.
Both Finland and Sweden actively cooperate with the alliance and hold joint military drills.
