“NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed complete confidence that Turkey will officially approve Sweden’s NATO accession, and he emphasized that the summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, will convey a powerful and positive message regarding Ukraine’s aspiration to join the alliance.
Stoltenberg declared the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius as a moment of historical significance even before its commencement. This was due to a breakthrough achieved during talks between Stoltenberg and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, ending a prolonged deadlock. Erdogan had previously accused Sweden of insufficiently addressing a political party affiliated with extremism, as perceived by the Turkish government.
Erdogan committed to supporting Sweden’s bid for NATO membership in the Turkish parliament, and Hungary, the remaining NATO member yet to grant unanimous approval, is expected to follow suit.
In a final effort prior to the summit, Erdogan linked the Sweden issue with Turkey’s stalled EU accession demands. A spokesperson from the National Security Council, speaking on condition of anonymity in accordance with standard policy, clarified that the United States supports Turkey’s aspirations for EU membership, but the focus currently lies on Sweden’s readiness to join NATO.
U.S. President Joe Biden, scheduled to meet Erdogan at the end of the summit’s first day, welcomed Turkey’s support for Sweden, stating his readiness to collaborate with Erdogan and Turkey to strengthen defense and deterrence in the Euro-Atlantic region. Biden also expressed anticipation for Prime Minister Kristersson and Sweden to become the 32nd NATO Ally.
Sweden and Finland jointly submitted their membership applications last May, with both Nordic nations citing strong popular support amidst Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Finland’s membership was finalized in April.”