Turkish parliament approves Sweden's accession to NATO

World

After long delays, the Turkish parliament has approved Sweden's accession to NATO by a majority (287 votes to 55). Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to sign the ratification document in the next few days.

Turkish parliament approves Sweden's accession to NATO
Sweden, which has not joined military alliances for decades, reportedly decided to apply to join NATO along with Finland in 2022 after the start of Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Most NATO members quickly ratified both countries' admission to the alliance, but Türkiye, which has accused Sweden of harbouring members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, delayed the process.

"Today we are one step closer to full NATO membership," Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson wrote on social media.

Sweden's application has yet to be ratified by Hungary.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the Turkish parliament's decision and expressed hope that Hungary would also support Stockholm's bid soon.

"I also count on Hungary to complete its national ratification as soon as possible. Sweden's membership makes NATO stronger and all of us safer," he said.

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