ANKARA: Turkey has published a measure approving Sweden’s membership in NATO in its official gazette, finalizing the ratification that brings the nonaligned country a step closer to joining the alliance, western media reported on Friday.
AFP reported that Hungary now remains the only NATO country not to have ratified Sweden’s accession. Earlier, on Tuesday, Turkey’s legislators endorsed Sweden’s accession. The ruling party said the Nordic country’s tougher position on issue of terrorism was key to winning approval.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has linked the ratification to Ankara’s desire to buy fighter jets from the US.
Erdogan Signs Off on Sweden’s NATO Membership Ratification: Report
NATO-member Turkey had deferred Sweden’s membership for more than a year, alleging the nation of being too lenient toward groups that Turkey regards as security threats. It sought concessions from Sweden, including moves to counter terrorists.
ALSO READ: Turkey Parliament Ratifies Sweden’s Bid to Join NATO
President Erdogan has also linked ratification of Sweden’s NATO membership to the US Congress’ approval of an Ankara request to purchase around 40 new F-16 fighter jets and kits to modernize Turkey’s current fleet. He has also asked Canada and other NATO allies to lift weapon embargoes on Ankara.
Top officials in Washington have said they expect relatively quick action on the F-16 sale following the ratification.
Swedish premier hails Türkiye's approval of NATO bid as 'key milestone' https://t.co/TWEQI9FqYu pic.twitter.com/DrgIUGf4cH
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) January 25, 2024
In a statement, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson hailed Ankara’s approval of its NATO bid as a “key milestone” in its path to becoming a full member of the alliance.
Kristersson said on his social media account that they welcome Ankara’s approval of the ratification of Sweden’s NATO accession.
