"With Sweden and Finland, we are gaining two valuable allies that will strengthen the alliance."

APA reports that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said this on Twitter.

The German Chancellor called the Swedish and Finnish governments' applications for NATO membership a historic step: "We welcome the sovereign decision of Finland and Sweden to join NATO.

We are gaining two valuable partners who will strengthen the union.

We support the speedy completion of the membership process. "

Olaf Scholz stressed that NATO is a defense alliance: "NATO is not directed against anyone, but provides defense and security for all allies.

We look forward to Finland and Sweden as our allies soon. "