Madrid, NATO has officially started the process of admitting Sweden and Finland into the alliance, with all 30 leaders in favour, NATO sources inform dpa.

The decision came after Turkey dropped its opposition to the Nordic countries’ membership application in a last-minute deal ahead of the start of the NATO summit in Madrid today.

Sweden and Finland applied to join NATO after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Turkey however blocked their accession for weeks over concerns linked to terrorism. New NATO membership requires unanimity.

A breakthrough was secured last night after Finland and Sweden agreed to cooperate in a series of counterterrorism efforts.

Source: Oman News Agency