Türkiye agrees to forward Sweden's ratification to parliament: NATO chief

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

VILNIUS, Lithuania (AA) - Türkiye has agreed to send Sweden's NATO Accession Protocol to parliament following a trilateral meeting, the alliance's chief Jens Stoltenberg said Monday.

"I'm glad to announce that President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan has agreed to forward the Accession Protocol for Sweden to the Grand National Assembly as soon as possible and work closely with assembly to ensure ratification," Stoltenberg told a press briefing in Vilnius, Lithuania where 31 leaders of the military alliance have gathered for a summit.

"Sweden agreed today, as an EU member, also to support actively the efforts to reinvigorate Türkiye's EU accession process, and also to help to modernize the EU-Türkiye customs unions and visa liberalization," he said.

He underscored that Sweden's cooperation with Ankara in the fight against terrorism will continue beyond accession and both countries agreed to establish a new bilateral security compact.

The NATO chief added that the alliance will establish for the first time a post of Special Counter-Terrorism Coordinator to "stepping up its work in this area."

In a joint statement following the meeting, Sweden reiterated it will not support terrorist organizations the YPG/PYD, as well as the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), the group behind the 2016 defeated coup in Türkiye.

The session also agreed to work towards eliminating sanctions and removing obstacles in defense trade and investments among allies.

Meanwhile, a top Turkish official said Türkiye received "full support" for its EU accession process, including lifting of sanctions and visa liberalization.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed his country will establish a new bilateral security dialogue with Türkiye for cooperation.

Türkiye's decision to back Sweden's NATO bid was also welcomed by leaders of the US and UK.

US President Joe Biden said he stands ready to work with Erdogan and Türkiye "on enhancing defense and deterrence in the Euro-Atlantic area."

British Premier Rishi Sunak called Türkiye's decision to forward Sweden's NATO accession "an historic moment for NATO that makes us all safer."