Skip to Main content

10.72°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Mar 7, 2024 5:35 PM - The Associated Press

Sweden officially joins Nato, ending decades of neutrality

Share On

sweden-officially-joins-nato-ending-decades-of-neutrality

The ceremony was presided by Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson and secretary of state Antony Blinken, took place at the State Department.

Sweden on Thursday officially joined Nato, becoming the 32nd member of the transatlantic military alliance. This marks the end of decades of post-World War II neutrality for Sweden, as concerns about Russian aggression in Europe have grown following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The ceremony was presided by Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson and secretary of state Antony Blinken, took place at the State Department. Blinken described the occasion as a historic moment for Sweden, the alliance, and the transatlantic relationship. He emphasised that the Nato alliance is now stronger and larger than ever before.

Later in the day, Kristersson will visit the White House and attend US president Joe Biden's State of the Union address to Congress. The White House expressed that having Sweden as a Nato ally will enhance the safety of the United States and its allies.

In a statement, the White House highlighted the significance of Nato as the most powerful defensive alliance in history, crucial for the security of its citizens. Sweden and Finland, which joined Nato last year, abandoned their long-standing military neutrality as a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Latest news

BC Green Leader Emily Lowan to Run in Saanich North After Rob Botterell Retires

BC Green Party MLA Rob Botterell has announced his retirement from politics, opening the door for party leader Emily Lowan to contest the Saanich North and the Islands riding in the upcoming provincial election. Botterell confirmed his decision during a joint news conference with Lowan in Victoria. Lowan will now seek the seat, which has been held by the Greens since Adam Olsen won it in 2017 and was retained by Botterell in the 2024 election. Elections BC records show Botterell was elected with the Green Party in 2024. The riding is considered significant for the BC Greens, given the party’

CanadaSep 23, 2026

Ontario Launches Canada’s First Medical Drone Pilot Program

Canada’s first medical drone pilot program of its kind has been launched by Peel Regional Paramedic Service in Ontario, allowing life-saving medical supplies to reach patients before an ambulance arrives during emergencies. The pilot project is currently operating in the Bolton area. Under the program, when a 911 call is received, a drone can be dispatched alongside an ambulance to the scene. The drone can deliver an automated external defibrillator (AED) for cardiac emergencies, naloxone for opioid overdoses and medical kits designed to control severe bleeding, particularly in rural and rem

one-charged-second-suspect-sought-in-granville-street-face-slashing

One Charged, Second Suspect Sought in Granville Street Face-Slashing

Crown Counsel has approved charges after a 19-year-old man was allegedly slashed in the face with a blade during an early-morning robbery on Vancouver’s Granville Street last month. Vancouver Police are also asking the public to help identify a second suspect. The incident happened around 3:20 a.m. on August 8 in the 900-block of Granville Street. Police say two men approached the victim and his friends, removed a chain necklace from the victim’s neck and slashed him. The victim suffered a five-inch cut stretching from the tip of his nose, beneath his eye and ending near his eyebrow. On Se

canadas-population-growth-hits-slowest-pace-since-wwii

CanadaSep 23, 2026

Canada’s Population Growth Hits Slowest Pace Since WWII

Canada’s population grew by 0.5 per cent between July 2025 and July 2026, marking the slowest annual growth rate recorded since the end of the Second World War. According to Statistics Canada, the pace of population growth was even lower than during the period when border restrictions were imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19. As of July 1, 2026, Canada’s population was estimated at 41.8 million. The report says the slowdown was mainly driven by federal government measures and policy changes aimed at limiting the number of temporary residents. Statistics Canada said Ontario, Quebec and B

b-c-election-advance-voting-set-for-october-16-21

B.C. Election: Advance Voting Set for October 16–21

Election activity is intensifying in British Columbia, with Elections B.C. announcing that advance voting will be held from October 16 to 21. Voters will be able to cast their ballots from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the advance voting period. Political parties and independent candidates will have until October 3 to enter the race and complete their registration. The 2024 provincial election cost approximately $91 million to conduct. For this election, Elections B.C. has initially requested a budget of $50 million, although the final cost will only be known after the voting process is completed. V

Related News

Indonesia Ferry Accident: Death Toll Rises to 28, 107 Still Missing

Indonesia Ferry Accident: Death Toll Rises to 28, 107 Still Missing

The death toll has risen to 28 after a passenger ferry sank near Indonesia 10 days ago, with rescue teams expanding their underwater search area as more bodies are feared to be found. The Virgo Transport 8 ferry was carrying 243 people, including 30 crew members, when it capsized and sank on Sept. 13 while travelling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin in bad weather. As of Wednesday, 28 deaths had been confirmed, while 107 people remain missing and 108 have been rescued. Rescue teams recovered 16 bodies from the ferry over the past three days, including nine on Wednesday. The search and rescue opera

Steps Toward Mexico-U.S. Trade Deal After Trump-Sheinbaum Talks

Steps Toward Mexico-U.S. Trade Deal After Trump-Sheinbaum Talks

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum says Mexico and the United States have made progress toward a potential trade agreement following a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday. Speaking at her daily press conference on Friday, Sheinbaum said the conversation was “very good” and that the two leaders reached some agreements, although she did not disclose specific details. She said negotiations are moving in a positive direction and that Mexico is working to reach a deal while protecting its sovereignty and national interests. The two countries are continuing bilateral trade

21 Killed, 45 Rescued After Damaged Gaza Building Collapses

21 Killed, 45 Rescued After Damaged Gaza Building Collapses

At least 21 people, including eight children, were killed after a building damaged by bombardment collapsed in Gaza a day later. Rescue teams rescued 45 people alive from beneath the rubble, according to Palestinian officials. Rescue crews completed their search of the collapsed building on Thursday. Bulldozers are now being used to clear the debris and prepare space for tents to shelter displaced residents who had been living in the building. Gaza Civil Defence spokesperson Mahmoud Bassal said rescue teams managed to pull 45 people from the rubble and take them to hospitals despite a shortage

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital