Italy backs Finland-Sweden NATO bid says Draghi

(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 18 - Italy backs Finland and Sweden's bid to join NATO, Premier Mario Draghi told a press conference with Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin Wednesday.
    "It is an historic moment for Europe and Finland," he said.
    "The request to join NATO is a clear response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the threat it poses to peace in Europe, for our collective security.
    "Italy supports with conviction the decision by Finland, and by Sweden (to request NATO membership)".
    Draghi went on: "Finland and Sweden already cooperate with NATO and share its founding values.
    "We agree on making the accession procedures faster: we must support the Countries in the period of transition.
    "Since the end of the Second World War we have been travelling on the same path. Finland joined the UN in 1955. Relations are excellent and in the last few years we have had a gradual strengthening of ties. In 1995 Finland joined the European Union. In the last few weeks we have shown a great unity with respect to Ukraine also in seeking a negotiated solution and we will continue to do so.
    Marin said "we want to ensure our security and the EU's" by joining the Atlantic Alliance. (ANSA).