Monsurat
According to NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, Turkish president, Tayyip Erdogan has agreed to forward Sweden’s membership bid to Turkey’s parliament and “ensure ratification.” The announcement was made on Monday, after months of blocking Sweden’s application.
“I’m glad to announce… that President Erdogan has agreed to forward the accession protocol for Sweden to the grand national assembly as soon as possible, and work closely with the assembly to ensure ratification,” Stoltenberg told a news conference.
Turkey is one of NATO’s 31 members and has a veto power to vote in a new member. For months, Turkey has been blocking Sweden’s application, accusing Stockholm of relations with Kurdish activists.
US President, Joe Biden reacted to the news saying “I stand ready to work with President Erdogan and Türkiye on enhancing defense and deterrence in the Euro-Atlantic area. I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Kristersson and Sweden as our 32nd NATO ally.”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock tweeted “as 32 we are all safer together. Congratulations, Sweden!”
Sweden applied for the NATO membership in May 2022, alongside Finland, months after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Finland became an official member in April 2023.
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