The country's President, Edgars Rinkēvičs, said in a statement on social networks that Sweden's admission to the alliance would greatly improve the security of both regional and allied countries.
“The Baltic Sea is now the NATO lake,” the President wrote.
Finally and officially, we are 32 allies!Congratulations, Sweden, on the completion of NATO accession process. This considerably improves both regional and allied security. The Baltic Sea is now the NATO lake.
— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) February 26, 2024
Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity) said that security and defense of Latvia, NATO and Baltic Sea region will benefit from this step.
Latvia welcomes the Hungarian National Assembly finally ratifying #Sweden's bid of becoming the 32th member of #NATO.
— Evika Siliņa 🇱🇻🇺🇦 (@EvikaSilina) February 26, 2024
Security and defense of Latvia, the whole NATO and the Baltic Sea region will gain from it.
It is a good day for transatlantic unity, resolve and deterrence.
Defense Minister Andris Sprūds (Progressives) congratulated Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson and the Swedish people. He believes that with Sweden as an ally, the deterrence and protection of the Baltic region has become stronger than ever.
Sweden finally joins @NATO . Congratulations to Defense minister @PlJonson and all the Swedish people on this historic occasion! With Sweden as an Ally deterrence and defence of the Baltic region is stronger than ever. Latvia is looking forward to the Swedish battalion joining…
— Andris Spruds (@AndrisSpruds) February 26, 2024
Foreign Minister Krišjānis Kariņš (New Unity) also joined the congratulations.
Latvia warmly welcomes the accession of 🇸🇪 to #NATO upon the completion of ratification processes in all Allied countries! Sweden’s membership will strengthen the security of our region and the whole Alliance!
— Krišjānis Kariņš (@krisjaniskarins) February 26, 2024
Congratulations to our Swedish friends!
Välkommen, @TobiasBillstrom! pic.twitter.com/cJsDz261Um
Hungary's Parliament ratified Sweden's accession to NATO on Monday.
In response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Sweden and Finland applied for NATO membership in May 2022. Turkey and Hungary were delayed in ratifying both countries.
Finland joined NATO last April.
