After meeting Erdogan and Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg declared it had been a 'historic day' after the Turkish leader agreed to back Stockholm's application.
TURKEY HAS AGREED to allow Sweden to join the Nato alliance, setting the stage for the allies to showcase their unity at a summit focused on securing support for Ukraine’s battle against Russia’s invasion.
“Completing Sweden’s accession to Nato is an historic step that benefits the security of all Nato allies at this critical time. It makes us all stronger and safer,” Stoltenberg said. US President Joe Biden, also in Vilnius for the summit, thanked Stoltenberg and said: “I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Kristersson and Sweden as our 32nd NATO ally.”
But the statement issued after the three-way talks stated that Turkey and Sweden would work closely in “counter-terrorism coordination” and boost bilateral trade ties. Michel hailed a “good meeting”, adding that they had “explored opportunities ahead to bring EU-Turkey cooperation back to the forefront and re-energise our relations”.
EU members remain sceptical of Ankara’s commitment to democratic and rule of law reforms, and Germany’s Olaf Scholz insisted Sweden and Turkey’s ambitions are not linked.“The other question is one that is not connected with it and that is why I do not think it should be seen as a connected issue.”
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