Turkey intends to ratify Finland’s application to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The addition of Finland will expand NATO to 31 countries. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has implications for security across Europe.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet with Finnish President Niinisto in Ankara on the 17th. At a joint press conference after the talks, he said, “We have decided to start the process in parliament for the recognition of Finland’s membership.” He also said that NATO membership would strengthen relations with Finland.
“Progress depends on Sweden’s actions,” Erdogan said on Sweden’s application for NATO membership. He said he hopes to complete the Finnish approval process before the elections scheduled for May 14 in Turkey.
Turkey’s ratification would clear the biggest hurdle to Finland’s entry into NATO. In Hungary, Prime Minister Orban has expressed support, but continued delays in parliamentary votes could be the final hurdle in the NATO enlargement process. Sweden’s NATO membership is also questionable.
NATO Fortified
The alliance would have more control of the Baltic Sea if Sweden and Finland joined
Source: Bloomberg
Original title:NATO Edges Closer to Expansion as Turkey Backs Finland’s Bid (1)
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