Turkey surprisingly quickly withdrew its objections to Finland and Sweden joining NATO. Ankara has previously blocked the entry of the Nordic countries into the alliance due to concerns about arms exports and support for terrorist groups. Now, according to Erdogan’s representatives, the Turkish side has achieved “what it wanted.”
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At the last moment on the eve of the military alliance summit in Madrid, an agreement was reached between Turkey, Finland and Sweden allowing the two Scandinavian countries to become members of NATO.
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NATO said the trilateral deal was reached at a meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson in the Spanish capital.
After a period of intense negotiations, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday evening: “I am pleased to announce that we now have an agreement that paves the way for Finland and Sweden to join NATO.”
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“Turkey, Finland and Sweden have signed a memorandum that takes into account Turkey’s concerns, including with regard to arms exports and the fight against terrorism,” he added.
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Swedish Prime Minister Andersson called the deal a “very good deal“, dismissing claims that she gave in too much to Erdogan to convince him to give up his veto.
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“It is of course important for Sweden and Finland to take the next step towards full NATO membership. But this is also a very important step for NATO, because our countries will provide security within NATO,” Andersson said.
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Andersson said she showed the Turkish leader changes to Swedish anti-terrorism legislation that are due to come into effect next month. “And, of course, we will continue our fight against terrorism, like NATO members, in closer cooperation with Turkey,” said the Swedish Prime Minister.
