Sweden and Finland appear ready to join NATO after Turkey agreed to unblock applications from Nordic countries.
A Memorandum of Understanding signed by the three countries following talks between their leaders at a NATO summit in Madrid and ended what appeared to be the main obstacle to the accession process of the Nordic neighbors.
“We had a thorough meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, under the direction of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg,” said a statement from Finnish President Sauli Niinisto.
“As a result of that meeting, our foreign ministers signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding confirming that Turkey will attend this week’s Madrid summit supporting the invitation of Finland and Switzerland. Sweden becomes a member of NATO.”
Stoltenberg said Russian President Vladimir Putin would now “have more NATO on his borders”.
“I am pleased to announce that we have an agreement that will pave the way for Finland and Sweden to join NATO,” he said.
“Turkey, Finland and Sweden have signed a memorandum of understanding that addresses Turkey’s interests, including arms exports and the fight against terrorism.”
Finland and Sweden will receive official invitations to join the organization on Wednesday, after which will require further steps such as domestic ratification.
Attempts to join the alliance of Nordic countries encountered obstacles when President Erdogan said they support the Kurdish fighters.
In the memo, Finland and Sweden announced they would not support YPG/PYD and the group known in Turkey as FETO.
The leaders of Turkey, NATO, Sweden and Finland. Pic: NATO
The Nordic countries also stated that they consider the PKK “a prohibited terrorist organization”.
The statement from Finland said: “Our joint memorandum of understanding underscores the commitment of Finland, Sweden and Turkey to extending full support in the face of threats to each other’s security. Our becoming a NATO ally will further strengthen this commitment.
“Over the past weeks, Turkey has raised concerns about the terrorist threat. Finland has not stopped taking these concerns seriously.
“Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. As a NATO member, Finland will commit to fully comply with NATO’s anti-terrorism policies and documents.”
Traditionally neutral countries decided to apply to join NATO after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A NATO development that Putin won’t be able to ignore
This is the perfect start to a NATO summit aimed at sending a message of solidarity and strength against Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Turkey unexpectedly agreed to support Sweden and Finland’s efforts to join the transatlantic alliance in a dramatic turnaround after days of deadlocked diplomacy.
Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General, was eager to announce the club’s historic expansion, which attracted both formerly neutral Nordic nations.
“Welcoming Finland and Sweden into the Union will make them safer, NATO stronger and the Euro-Atlantic region safer,” he said at a hastily arranged news conference at the summit. peak in Madrid.
“This is crucial as we face the biggest security crisis in decades.”
Ankara is worried about what it sees as Swedish support for the Kurdish militia, which Turkey considers terrorists.
But President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has secured an agreement from both Sweden and Finland to address his concerns about terrorism.
His change of heart will be a huge relief for the rest of the alliance.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine prompted Stockholm and Helsinki to abandon their military neutrality and join NATO, while turning their backs on Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
But the seismic shift in security policy has been stymied by Turkey’s opposition to the idea.
Efforts have been underway for weeks to try to reassure Ankara, with Britain’s foreign and defense ministers playing some role.
It has paid off. President Putin will not be able to ignore that NATO is set to flourish as a direct result of his war in Ukraine, which is not yet a member state.
In response to Tuesday’s announcement, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Great news as we begin the NATO summit.
“Sweden and Finland’s membership will make our great union stronger and more secure.”
