Statement from Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď on Finland's accession to NATO: 4 April is a truly significant day for the Alliance and all its members

As we mark NATO Day today, the 74th anniversary of the establishment of the North Atlantic Alliance, NATO's membership base will grow to include its 31st member – Finland. Speaking on this occasion, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said that this is a truly significant day for the Alliance and all its members in light of the strengthening of NATO's collective defence and security.

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “The security reality that the Russian Federation created for the whole world more than a year ago has clearly confirmed the justification for the existence of the largest and strongest defence alliance in the world – NATO. Following the “musketeer principle”, we have voluntarily committed to defend each other together – our countries, people and values. I am therefore very happy that Finland is set to officially join us today, because together we are stronger.”

Minister Naď added Finland has seen the fastest ratification process in NATO's modern history. At the same time, he expressed his support for the Alliance's expansion by the 32nd member – Sweden – as soon as possible. 

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) came into existence with the signing of the Washington Treaty on 4 April 1949, with foreign affairs ministers from 12 founding states as the signatories. NATO's founding document came into force on 24 August 1949.

Slovakia became a member of the Alliance along with Slovenia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Romania and Bulgaria as part of NATO's biggest enlargement in 2004.