Sweden’s membership of NATO took a big step forward on Monday after Turkey agreed to remove one of the last major roadblocks in return for help in reviving Turkey’s own chances of joining the European Union.
By KARL RITTER, LORNE COOK and SUZAN FRASER
Sweden’s NATO accession has been held up by objections from Turkey since last year. The Turkish parliament’s ratification of the accession protocol is one of the last steps in the process. Biden’s reference to enhancing Turkey’s defense capability was a nod to Biden’s commitment to help Turkey acquire new F-16s, according to a U.S. administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment.
Stoltenberg said that Turkey’s relationship with the EU was “not an issue for NATO, it’s an issue for the European Union.” But he told reporters that “what Sweden agreed today as an EU member was to support actively the efforts to reinvigorate Turkey’s EU accession process.” Michel tweeted that he and Erdogan had “explored opportunities ahead to bring cooperation back to the forefront and re-energise our relations.” Michel said he has tasked the European Commission to draw up a “report with a view to proceed in strategic and forward-looking manner.”
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NATO chief says Turkey agrees to advance Sweden's bid to join NATOSweden's NATO accession has been held up by objections from Turkey since last year.
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NATO chief says Turkey agrees to advance Sweden's bid to join NATOSweden's NATO accession has been held up by objections from Turkey since last year.
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NATO chief says Turkey agrees to advance Sweden's bid to join NATOSweden's NATO accession has been held up by objections from Turkey since last year.
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