Sweden officially became the 32nd member of NATO on March 7 after two years of negotiations.

Portuguese officials, including Foreign Minister João Gomes Cravinho and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, expressed strong support for Sweden's accession.

Security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine were a key factor in Sweden's decision to join NATO.

Sweden's membership is expected to bolster the European defense pillar within the Alliance.

Global leaders, including President Biden and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, welcomed Sweden, citing unity against Russian aggression.

Russia is anticipated to increase its military activities in response to Sweden's new NATO membership.