Sweden's Foreign Minister Ann Linde on Tuesday signed her country's application to join the 30-member Western military alliance, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
"Just signed a historic indication letter to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg from the Swedish government," Linde announced on Twitter.
"Our NATO application is now formally signed," she added.
The move came after Sweden's Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said on Monday that her government had formally decided to submit a membership application, a day after Finland's President Sauli Niinisto confirmed that his country would also apply to join NATO.
Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson. Photo: EPA/HENRIK MONTGOMERY
"A great decision by the Swedish government to initiate the NATO application process," Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in a tweet on Monday.
"Congratulations to Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson on this courageous move," he added.
"The Polish government will fully support a swift accession process which is key to strengthening the security of Europe," Morawiecki also tweeted.
Morawiecki last week hailed "Finland's decision to initiate NATO accession," saying it was "great news for Poland and Europe's security."
"Poland supports Finland joining NATO as quickly and smoothly as possible," he declared at the time.
'Historic decision of Finland and Sweden': Polish FM
Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau said in a Twitter post on Monday: "I welcome the historic decision of Finland and Sweden to apply for NATO membership. The accession of Finland and Sweden will strengthen the Alliance and enhance the security and stability of Europe."
Rau added: "Poland will support its partners in their prompt accession the North Atlantic community."
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Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters, tysol.pl