Regarding the accession of the Northern European countries Sweden and Finland to NATO = North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the focus is on the trend of Turkey, which requires the approval of all member states and conditions the approval.
Turkey's foreign minister said it will take time to approve membership, and the two countries' membership is expected to be carried over to next year.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Sweden and Finland applied for NATO membership in May, but the approval of all 30 member states is required for this to happen.
However, among the member countries, Turkey claims that both countries support members of Kurdish armed groups that advocate separatism, and has attached conditions such as taking measures against terrorism.
Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu met with Swedish Foreign Minister Birstrom in the capital Ankara on the 22nd, and at a joint press conference he said, "It's still in the early stages. It's not at a satisfactory level," and the recognition that it will take time to approve membership. showed.
And he said that a Swedish court's refusal to hand over a Turkish journalist accused of terrorism this month "has had considerable repercussions."
In response, Foreign Minister Birstrom asked for understanding, saying, "We have been working together with Turkey on counter-terrorism measures. We are also taking concrete measures."
The two sides have decided to continue negotiations, and the membership of the two Nordic countries is expected to be carried over to next year.