Erdogan signs Sweden's NATO membership decree

On Thursday, February 25, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed the country's parliament's resolution for Sweden to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO.

By signing the resolution, Recep Tayyip Erdogan ended a 20-month delay in this regard. Sweden now needs Hungary's approval to join NATO.

Turkish lawmakers approved Sweden's NATO membership on Tuesday by 287 votes to 55.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed Recep Tayyip Erdogan's move to finally sign the country's parliament's resolution for Sweden to join NATO.

Anthony Blinken emphasized that Sweden's joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization will strengthen the country and this military alliance.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also welcomed the Turkish President's move on the social network X, writing: "We have now reached a decisive milestone on the path to full NATO membership."

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom also wrote on the social network X: "Only Hungary's approval remains for Sweden to become a member of NATO."

Sweden and Finland applied for NATO membership in 2022, but Turkey opposed their membership, accusing both countries of supporting groups it considers "terrorists."

However, Turkey approved Finland's NATO membership application in April last year but, along with Hungary, continued its opposition to Sweden joining the military alliance.

Source: Radio Farda