Politics / Sweden Sweden to Knight Blinken for His NATO Role Honors recognize efforts in Sweden's NATO membership process By Newser.AI Read our AI policy Posted Oct 22, 2024 2:08 PM CDT Copied Secretary of State Antony Blinken, right, speaks with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during a meeting, July 9, 2024, at the State Department in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, file) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and former NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg are set to be knighted in Sweden for their significant contributions to Sweden's successful bid to join NATIO. Former Finnish leaders Sanna Marin and Pekka Haavisto will also receive the Royal Order of the Polar Star, an honor bestowed on non-Swedish citizens for outstanding service to Swedish interests. "The awards are an expression of our great gratitude for the efforts of these people," Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated on Tuesday. Sweden's NATO membership concludes its long-standing tradition of non-alignment post-World War II; it joined nearly a year after Finland did. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) < > Pacific Coast Highway Reopens After Palisades Fire Closure 5 hours, 15 minutes ago Washington Commanders Owner: Team Name Will Stay 5 hours, 33 minutes ago Bald Eagles Soar Back From Endangered Status 6 hours, 45 minutes ago Seismic Activity Sparks Earthquake Concerns on Greek Island 8 hours, 43 minutes ago Thousands Protest Mass Deportations, Block Freeway in Los Angeles 13 hours, 31 minutes ago WHO Urges Leaders to Press Trump on US Withdrawal 14 hours, 1 minute ago Parent Tackles Gunman at Texas School Band Competition 14 hours, 31 minutes ago Jimmy Carter Wins Posthumous Grammy Award 15 hours, 1 minute ago French PM Faces Political Crisis With Budget Approval Move 15 hours, 29 minutes ago Uganda Prepares Trial Vaccine to Combat Ebola Outbreak Feb 2, 2025 10:03 AM CST Japan Launches Navigation Satellite Aboard New Rocket Feb 2, 2025 10:01 AM CST Norwegian Ship Cleared in Baltic Sea Cable Damage Investigation Feb 1, 2025 10:06 AM CST Russian Strikes Kill 8 in Ukraine Feb 1, 2025 9:51 AM CST Report an error