US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed with his Finnish and Swedish counterparts, Antti Kaikkonen and Peter Holtquist, their countries' accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the effects of the explosions on the Nord Stream pipeline.
"The officials reaffirmed the strength of the trilateral relationship, which has been reinforced by the continuation of the process of Finland and Sweden joining NATO," Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder said in a statement today.

"The leaders discussed key global security issues, including the recent Russian escalation in Ukraine, affirming unwavering support for Ukrainian sovereignty. The leaders also discussed the impact of the explosions in the Nord Stream pipeline and the importance of resilience, as well as other security issues in the Nordic region and the Arctic," Ryder added.

He added that Austin discussed with his counterparts the progress made towards the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO, and the three ministers thanked all the countries that have already ratified the protocols to join NATO.

Source: Middle East News Agency