NATO chief in Turkey, urges swift ratification of Sweden, Finland memberships
In Ankara, NATO chief made first visit after the earthquake, and pressed for Finland and Sweden to join the alliance together.
ANKARA — NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg reiterated on Thursday during his visit to Turkey that Finland and Sweden should join the alliance together.
Speaking in Ankara, Stoltenberg extended his condolences to Turkey after two devastating earthquakes that claimed more than 36,000 lives, injuring more than 108,000, but also urged for ratification of the Nordic enlargement “as soon as possible.”
“The main issue is not whether they are ratified together. The main issue is that Finland and Sweden are ratified as soon as possible,” he said, reiterating the alliance’s position over the discussions on Sweden and Finland’s separate accession to the alliance.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Sweden has been yet unable to meet Turkey’s expectations for its support for the Nordic countries' accession.
