NATO: Turkey Agrees Backing Finland, Sweden's Memberships

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."

France President Emmanuel Macron asserted his support for Finland and Sweden’s NATO memberships.

Macron’s statements came during his talks with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at the Elysée Palace ahead of the NATO summit in Madrid, taking place from June 28 to 30.

He also reiterated his support for the two European countries that seek joining the Alliance, adding that they are close partners with strong defence abilities which will help in increasing the security and stability in European-Atlantic area.