Sweden formally joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) on Thursday, making it the 32nd member of the military force alliance union. 

A statement on the organisation’s website quoted NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg as saying, “This is a historic day. Sweden will now take its rightful place at NATO’s table, with an equal say in shaping NATO policies and decisions.

 “After over 200 years of non-alignment, Sweden now enjoys the protection granted under Article 5, the ultimate guarantee of Allies’ freedom and security. Sweden brings with it capable armed forces and a first-class defence industry.

“Sweden’s accession makes NATO stronger, Sweden safer, and the whole Alliance more secure. Today’s accession demonstrates that NATO’s door remains open and that every nation has the right to choose its own path.” 

According to reports, the recent NATO alliance with Sweden would be aimed at breaking decades of neutrality in the face of rising fears about Russia’s aggression in Europe following its invasion of Ukraine.

In an address delivered in Washington, U.S., Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson portrayed development as a building light. 

“Unity and solidarity will be Sweden’s guiding lights as a NATO member,” he stated following a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.  

He added, “We will share burdens, responsibilities and risks with our allies.”

In its reaction, the U.S. White House said that having Sweden as a NATO ally “will make the United States and our allies even safer.”

 “NATO is the most powerful defensive alliance in the history of the world, and it is as critical today to ensuring the security of our citizens as it was 75 years ago when our alliance was founded out of the wreckage of World War II,” it said in a statement.