Turkey agrees to support Sweden’s NATO bid
– Photo: Social Media
Expansion
The way has been cleared for Sweden to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has agreed to forward and support Sweden’s proposal for NATO membership in the Grand National Assembly. Giving information about the new developments, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called it a historic step.
Stoltenberg tweeted: “Pleased to announce that following a meeting I hosted with Erdoğan and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Christerson, the Turkish President has agreed to admit Sweden into NATO.” This is a historic step that makes all NATO allies stronger and safer.
I am pleased to announce that after meeting with @RTErdogan , @swedishpmPresident Erdogan has agreed to proceed #SwedenEnsure entry protocol to the Grand National Assembly as soon as possible and ensure ratification. This is a historic step that makes all #NATO Allies strong and safe. pic.twitter.com/D7OeR5Vgba
– Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltberg) 10 July 2023
However, Sweden’s proposal must still be approved by Turkey’s parliament. At the same time, NATO member Hungary has not yet approved Sweden’s proposal. Although Prime Minister Viktor Orban has indicated to move forward on this soon.
US President Biden welcomed
US President Joe Biden, who was in Vilnius for the NATO summit, thanked Stoltenberg. Biden said I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Ulf Christerson and Sweden as NATO’s 32nd ally.
Turkey-Sweden will work together against terrorism
Significantly, Turkey has long been against Sweden’s application to join NATO. Turkey alleges that Sweden harbors Kurdish activists considered terrorists. At the same time, the statement issued after the talks said that Turkey and Sweden will work together in anti-terrorism coordination and promote bilateral trade relations. Sweden will support efforts to reinvigorate Turkey’s EU accession process, including the modernization of the EU-Turkey Customs Union and visa liberalisation, the statement said.
Right time for Turkey to join EU
According to media reports, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Monday that European countries should clear the way for Turkey to join the European Union, only after that his country will support Sweden for NATO membership. During the press conference in Brussels, Erdoğan said that first clear the way for Turkey in the European Union, then clear the way for Sweden, like we cleared the way for Finland. Erdoğan stressed that now is the time to act on Turkey’s proposal to become part of the European Union. Turkey has been waiting to join the European Union for more than 50 years.