Italy favors Finland-Sweden NATO bids say Draghi-English

(ANSA)-Rome, May 18-Italy supports Finland and Sweden’s bid to join NATO, and Prime Minister Mario Draghi said in a press conference with Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Wednesday.
“It’s a historic moment for Europe and Finland,” he said.
“The NATO accession request is a clear response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the threat it poses to Europe’s peace for our collective security.
“Italy confidently supports the decision by Finland and Sweden (which requests NATO membership).”
Draghi continued. “Finland and Sweden are already working with NATO and share their founding values.
“We agree to speed up the accession process. We must support countries during the transition period.
“We have been on the same path since the end of World War II. Finland joined the United Nations in 1955. Relations have been good and have been gradually strengthened over the last few years. Finland joined the European Union in 1995 .. Over the last few weeks we have shown great unity with Finland in seeking a negotiated solution, and we will continue to do so.
“We want to ensure our security and the security of the EU,” Marin said by joining the Atlantic Alliance. (ANSA).