On Tuesday, World leaders, headed by the US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, congratulated the agreement signed by Sweden, Finland, and Turkey that ends the dispute between Turkey and the two Nordic countries for joining the NATO.
Biden tweeted: "Congratulations to Finland, Sweden, and Turkey on signing a trilateral memorandum – a crucial step towards a NATO invite to Finland and Sweden, which will strengthen our Alliance and bolster our collective security – and a great way to begin the Summit."
On his side, Johnson responded: "Fantastic news as we kick off the NATO Summit. Sweden and Finland's membership will make our brilliant alliance stronger and safer."
The Foreign Ministeries of Turkey, Sweden, and Finland signed a memorandum for paving the way for the two Nordic countries to join the NATO.
The President of Finland Sauli Niinisto stated: “We had a thorough meeting with president of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan and prime minister of Sweden Magdalena Andersson, facilitated by secretary general of NATO Jens Stoltenberg.
“As a result of that meeting, our foreign ministers signed a trilateral memorandum which confirms that Turkey will at the Madrid summit this week support the invitation of Finland and Sweden to become members of NATO.”
Stoltenberg asserted that the memorandum tackled the concerns of Turkey seriously, including terrorism, as Turkey previously accused the Nordic countries of supporting Kurdi militants.
“Our joint memorandum underscores the commitment of Finland, Sweden and Turkey to extend their full support against threats to each other’s security. Us becoming NATO allies will further strengthen this commitment,” the Finnish statement added.
“Over the past weeks, Turkey has raised its concerns over the threat of terrorism. Finland has constantly taken these concerns seriously. Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. As a NATO member, Finland will commit fully to the counterterrorism documents and policies of NATO.”
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